Submitted by Glenda Fordham
Canada’s original disco queen has maintained a career that includes recording, acting on Broadway, London’s West End and on film, performing on some of the worlds biggest stages, has started creating her own documentary films and even contributed to a best-selling book featuring all the great disco era divas. From the late 70s through today, Claudja has enjoyed hits in every decade, thanks to loyal fans and supportive radio programmers. Her initial success was in Canada where she earned Juno awards and was the first inductee to the Black Music Hall of Fame, together with Oscar Peterson. She became a star throughout Europe, and in the States and was nominated for an American Music Award for Best Female Artist and appeared on NBC’s Seventh Annual Rhythm & Blues Awards.
Claudja recently shared her thoughts on her early career with Cashbox… Ambition was the driving force in the early days. I eagerly took on challenges and experiments with different types of music, driven by a desire to prove myself. Each genre I explored taught me something about the music itself and about my own capabilities. However, with experience I learned the value of selectivity and ensuring each project aligned with my personal values and artistic goals.
My fans have played a crucial part of this journey; by staying true to myself and my love of music, I feel I’ve earned their respect and support. This mutual relationship is essential – just as they find joy and solace in my music, I find inspiration and purpose knowing I have their unwavering support. It enriches both my life and my art.
She is a passionate songwriter and is always looking for inspiration in all manner of places and situations. Writing love songs is sometimes difficult because I’m not always optimistic. I’ve achieved a sense of self from doing things for me first; it makes me more confident in my choices. Doing work that stands the test of time is a great motivator; I found out because so many of my songs are still played on radio and online and it’s real !
I asked her about transitioning from disco to pop and adult/contemporary music: I find that my voice is more recognizable when I’m able to sing in more than one genre. So by being a singer/songwriter, I’m able to express a fuller version of my imagination instead of being limited to one lane. I can now avoid relying on others to interpret my work. My art is cohesive because it’s coming from the same source. Two art forms can multiply your career paths not divide them.
And when asked about her recent filmmaking endeavours: I’m learning to think as a complete storyteller. Some stories live best as songs, some need broader exposition, hence my entry into film. “Losing Paradise” is my documentary film about dancehall music in which I was able to state a specific idea about a music genre. I was able to truly express myself and hold sway over all the disciplines that are mine.
And when I asked Claudja about her creative process, she explained… I find that doing this crazy thing I love creates a surprising calmness that is relaxing and makes it easier for me to be creative. There is not one single method in which to craft my work – there is only the way that’s best for me and that’s my own way. We all have to find our own way and that’s where happiness and fulfillment abound. Money is never the only thing to which one should aspire; self-satisfaction and joy in life are the best rewards.
Well, Claudja, you have given fans around the world so much joy, fun and satisfaction and we look forward to seeing your next adventure, be it music, film or maybe writing that autobiography…yes?
Claudja will be appearing on Zoomer Radio’s Winter concert along with fellow music legend Andy Kim on December 19th here in Toronto.
With a remarkable list of chart-topping hits, Claudja Barry truly holds a remarkable place in music history and continues to do so to this day:
“Sweet Dynamite” 1977
“Dancing Fever” 1978
“(Boogie Woogie) Dancin’ Shoes” 1979
“You Make Me Feel the Fire” 1979
“Radio Action” 1981
“I Will Follow Him” / “Work Me Over” 1982
“For Your Love” / “Beat My Drum” 1983
“Tripping on the Moon” 1984
“Born to Love” / “Your Sweet Touch” 1985
“Down and Counting” 1986
“Can’t You Feel My Heart Beat” 1987
“Secret Affair” 1987
“Hot to the Touch” 1988
“I Will Stand” 2006
For more in Claudja Barry visit her website www.theclaudjabarry.com and follow her on social media.