Online Host: HE'S HERE! We are proud to welcome one of America's premier pop singers and songwriters, Michael Bolton! He's leaving for Vienna soon to perform with Placido Domingo - so we are thrilled that he has made the time to be here with us tonight. He's got an incredible new CD out called "This Is The Time - The Christmas Album" which includes beloved carols, a beautiful aria, as well as a duet with country star, Wynonna.
Online Host: Aside from Michael's incredible success in all aspects of the musical world, he is also devoted to many charitable causes, serving as chairman of the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, and running the Michael Bolton Foundation which assists children and women at risk from poverty and abuse, to name just two. We are thrilled he is here! Welcome Mr. Michael Bolton!
Question: Michael, since you will be working on "The Voice" will this have any effect on a possible
tour in 1997? Anna
Michael Bolton: I hope so. Meaning that I hope that it's the beginning of opening up classical music to a lot of my fans. It's music that really moves me...and I'm confident that it moves them as well. I hope that it launches a world tour also.
Question: Micheal...do you have plans to release any more video collections? Quiet Lisa
Michael Bolton: I don't have plans for it now. I'm hopeful that I will be doing a lot of work in films the next couple of years. I'm working on a lot of projects.
Question: Hello Michael! We've heard rumors about "The Voice." Cannot wait! Can you tell us a little about it? Is it your first time on screen? Thanks!
Michael Bolton: It's a big project....writing and producing and acting in a film, and coordinating it with the release of a classical album. I've not started filming yet. Still in the planning and development stage. I do have a cameo in a Rodney Dangerfield film "Meet Wally Sparks." But hopefully "The Voice" will be my first very own film.
Question: Where are you now? And do you use computers much?
Michael Bolton: I'm in a recording studio in New York. I am putting the finishing touches on the single from the next Disney animated film "Hercules." I'm actually still working as we speak! And, yes, computers have become central to my career and creative process.
Question: Michael, how is your manager after the softball "accident?"
Michael Bolton: It's amazing how everyone knows everything. He's already figuring out the design of some kind of helmet to pitch and continue playing softball with the Bolton Bombers. And he definitely plans on playing next season.
Question: Do you enjoy touring as much now as you did early on? You seem to have more fun and interact more with the fans than in past years, and the concerts are better every time! Thanks for being there for us every summer!
Michael Bolton: I may enjoy it MORE. Thank you very much for your compliment. I think as the years go by I just become more and more comfortable and familiar with what performing is all about and also with my audience, who is just tremendous, my loyal audience is there for me 100%, and seem to know my music better than I do! Now I feel like I can just have a lot more fun. It's a process that seems to get easier and better.
Question: Do you feel more responsibility towards your public image now that you have achieved a high public status in the world of music and among your fans?
Michael Bolton: I think that there is always a sense of responsibility that I feel, especially in receiving fan mail - receiving serious letters - about how much you can influence the quality of a lot of lives and lot of people through your music, and what I certainly hope is conveyed as my perception and my focus in my life. We're constantly celebrities. We're constantly at the mercy of whatever people may write or say about us. But often you can be a positive influence, and that is a responsibility that I take seriously.
Question: How did you like working with Wynonna?
Michael Bolton: LOVED working with Wynonna. She is very cool, very FUNNY. She has a wicked sense of humor. So besides being a great artist, she's a lot of fun to hang around with, as well as to work with. Very bright and intuitive.
Question: What made you decide to do a Christmas CD?
Michael Bolton: I can't remember how far back...it's been a long time.....but my fans have been asking for it for what seems like forever. Earlier this year when I realized that I wouldn't be delivering a studio album, it was very clear that this was the time for a Christmas album. It actually worked out perfectly. Once again, "When the fans speak ...!"
Question: I work with cancer patients and attended the This Close benefit on Sunday. I would like to know when and how did you get involved with This Close?
Michael Bolton: First of all, thank you for your support. Unfortunately, I became involved because an old and dear friend of mine, his name was Joe Brander, was diagnosed with leukemia, and he called upon me to help raise money for the Cancer Research Center at New York Medical College. I made a commitment to Joel to continue to raise money for cancer research. Unfortunately he lost the battle. I am keeping my promise to him. I feel very strongly about the commitment. That's what This Close is all about.
Question: Michael, any reason why your earring is gone?
Michael Bolton: Wow! For all you hawkeyes out there...I can't believe how you notice everything. Nothing escapes you!
Question: Hi Michael! Thank you for joining us this evening. I hope you answer one of my questions...but if not, that's OK, too. It is a thrill to know you are here and I wish you could be here every night! What do you consider the most special song of all that you have written?
Michael Bolton: You know what, I'm just going to say "Soul of My Soul" which is a dedication to my daughters. (That would be three teenage girls, by the way!) That song is very special to me.
Question: Michael, can you tell us more about your children's book?
Michael Bolton: It should be out in the Fall. It's a story about a lost kingdom. It takes place in medieval times, but there's a direct parallel, a direct connection, with much of what happens in our world today. I am hoping and planning that it will reunite and reinforce important human themes, and I also hope that parents will have a great time reading it with their children. That was the original inspiration and hope for the book was that parents and children can enjoy time with one another.
Question: Michael, what are you wearing right now? I'm not trying to be suggestive or anything---just trying to get a picture in my mind. : )
Michael Bolton: <laughs>
Michael Bolton: Black socks.
Michael Bolton: Just kidding.
Question: Thank you Michael for all the caring you give to those less fortunate. You are truly a blessing.
Michael Bolton: That's real sweet....thank you.
Question: Michael, when are you leaving for Vienna?
Michael Bolton: Thank you for the number one status, MB is 1!
Michael Bolton: I actually leave in the next few days. I'll be there for a performance with Placido Domingo which I am very honored to do. It takes place on the 16th.
Question: Are you happy with where you are in your life?
Michael Bolton: I am happy with where I am in my life. And also extremely grateful and looking forward to this incredible journey that life is. As tough as it gets sometimes, when people ask what I'd like in the future, I have often answered "More of the same, please."
Question: Michael, I saw you and the Bolton Bombers play softball do you still do that ?
Michael Bolton: Last game was in October. I can't get enough of Bomber's softball, and we will play again next year.
Question: When did you get interested in working with Domingo?
Michael Bolton: It started first in November last year with Pavarotti in Italy. I began to study opera and then Placido was kind enough to join me on my Christmas album on "Ave Maria" and THEN he invited me to perform at Domingo's Christmas in Vienna... and THEN he twisted my arm...twisted it hard, and I said "Alright, Alright!" <laughs>
Question: What kind of music (besides your own) do you enjoy?
Michael Bolton: I enjoy a very diverse world of music...from currently the Billie Holiday Collection Box Set... to a wide selection of classical music....and quite a bit in between....
Question: I want you to know that I loved your remake of the Bee Gees "To Love Somebody." Do you plan to make anymore CD's like "Timeless"? from Joannau
Michael Bolton: Thank you very much. Maybe down the road there could be a Classics II.. or an album of songs in the Billie Holiday feel... I don't know.
Question: How old were you when you made your first public performance and where?
Michael Bolton: I think I was about 12.. and I think it was at a place called The Jewish Community Center in New Haven (my home town)...and if my memory serves me, two ping pong tables pushed together was my stage.
Question: What do you find is the most difficult thing in raising three daughters?
Michael Bolton: I think that the most difficult thing is how important every decision feels. How ultimately important the decision is that makes being a parent difficult at times... and it should... Nobody said it was easy...but it's obviously tremendously gratifying. I should say that they push you pretty far, but you've got to go the distance.
Michael Bolton: First and foremost, thank you all for your support and outpouring of affection that makes so much of the difficult work worth it all, and my best wishes for a GREAT Holiday Season and best years to come.
Online Host: Thank you ALL for being here this evening, and a very special thank you to Michael for taking the time from his unbelievably hectic schedule to join us here online! The album is incredible! It's called "This Is The Time" and is available everywhere. We wish you all a happy holiday season! Goodnight from Harpo Studios.
