Culture Vulture
Singer Olivia, 56, is back with a new album. A breast cancer survivor, she is also the spokesman for a new self-examination kit for women
Interview by Simon Button
What is your favourite book?
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. A book that I can’t put down is a rare thing, but this was one of those. Whenever I had to break off from reading it, I couldn’t wait to get back to it, and I was sad when it finished. I loved all the intrigue.
What is your favourite film?
That’s tough. I don’t often watch films more than once, because I don’t like knowing what’s going to happen. But I recently saw Sideways and it’s a movie I wouldn’t mind seeing again. The performances were wonderful and I found the story really moving.
What is your favourite piece of music?
There’s a song called Falling by John Farrar. I recorded a version of it on my album Physical, back in 1981, but I love his version.
What is your favourite television programme?
It’s definitely Six Feet Under. It is so dark and funny. The acting is fantastic and it goes places no TV programme has gone before.
What is your favourite play?
I’d better say Grease, hadn’t I? Obviously the film was a huge hit for me and John Travolta, but it started as a stage musical. I saw it with Richard Gere. He was great and the show was a lot of fun.
What is your favourite work of art?
I love anything by Californian artist David Skinner. I have one of his landscapes hanging in my hallway at home in LA. The colours are so beautiful; it takes your breath away.
What was the first single you ever bought?
It must have been something by Nina Simone. I loved her voice when I was a child and I still do.
Olivia's top five albums
Nina Simone, Let It All Out
As I say, I’ve always loved Nina Simone’s voice. I remember hearing this as a child and being entranced by it.
The Beatles, Please Please Me
Whose top five wouldn’t include something by The Beatles? This is their first album and it has so many great tracks, like Love Me Do, Twist And Shout and I Saw Her Standing There.
Astrud Gilberto, The Girl From Ipanema
This is a classic best-of by a woman with such a haunting voice. It’s Brazilian music at its best.
Carpenters, The Singles 1969-1973
Karen Carpenter is one of my favourite singers. I pay tribute to her, and other women vocalists I admire, on my new album.
Annie Lennox, Diva
Annie’s first solo album after the Eurythmics and there’s not a bad track on it. She’s an amazing vocalist.
Olivia’s album Indigo: Women of Song is out now. For Liv Self-Exam Kit details, visit www.goodforhealth.com.