Taylor Dayne to rock OKC Pride stage

Leslie Wunderman is a self-proclaimed Jewish girl from Long Island, New York. The soulful songstress is better known by her stage name, Taylor Dayne. With such decade-defining hits as “Tell it To My Heart,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Don’t Rush Me” and many more, Taylor’s voice is instantly recognizable. And while she may have helped to define the sound of the late 80s and early 90s, she has managed to balance a thriving career, home life and motherhood.

Taylor has managed, it seems, not only to have survived but thrived in a post-MTV world. Reading her answers to the questions below, it’s clear that this is a woman comfortable in her own skin and the choices she’s made. And she clearly loves her children.

As someone who has a long history of providing entertainment to the LGBT community, Taylor is no stranger to Pride events. I’m very proud that she has the opportunity to visit our city and state now, when so many positive things are on the horizon: it’s likely that Oklahoma’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage will be overturned soon, there is more love and acceptance in the air than ever before and, for the first time in decades, city tax dollars are being funneled into the NW 39th and Penn area.

As a member of the OKC Pride Board of Directors, I can tell you that Pride 2014 promises to be one of the most exciting yet. My fellow board members and I hope that the weekend’s festivities will serve as a backdrop to showcase the evolution and acceptance Oklahoma City is experiencing.

Below, you will find my interview with Taylor Dayne, which was completed on May 6, 2014. She takes the stage at 8pm on June 20, 2014. If you have trouble finding the stage, just follow the crowds and voice of Taylor Dayne.

Brandon Beard: Obviously, 1987’s “Tell It to My Heart” was your breakout moment in terms of your solo career. The song is iconic. What did that moment feel like for you when you first heard of its success?

Taylor Dayne: TITMH broke in Europe first. When my career began, there were no cell phones or internet readily available, so I wasn’t aware of the magnitude of its success. I traveled an average of three countries a week then, doing all TV and radio appearances. I went from an unknown to doing an in-store in Munich with thousands of screaming fans, all dressed like me with crimped hair! 

BB: Your music has such a soulful quality to it. You’re a self-described Jewish girl from Long Island. Were there cultural challenges to overcome early on in your career?

TD: I am what I am! I grew up in Baldwin and Freeport, NY, where I attended Hebrew school very begrudgingly and learned to sing like I sang in a church. I’m just an old soul and always felt very lonely as a child and not belonging neither here nor there, my heart and ear went to the radio and music. It’s where I felt like I belonged, and it was something that I was good at.

BB: Who would you consider to be your major musical influences?

TD: My biggest influences were my parents. They were the ones that bought me my first records: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Crosby, Stills and Nash. They encouraged me musically and as New Yorkers they loved the theatre and exposed us to much growing up.

BB: Have you ever been to Oklahoma City before?

TD: This is my first time in your city, I believe. I couldn’t be more excited—I have heard nothing but great things!

BB: As I’m sure you know, Oklahoma stands on the precipice of being one of the next states to legalize same-sex marriage. What are your thoughts on this topic and the impact it has had on the national consciousness?

TD: As a musical artist with a career that has spanned over 25 years, I have had the joy of watching the growth, changes and acceptance across the States as well as across the world; including legal rights for partners and their families.

 BB: I imagine you are no stranger to Pride festivities and LGBT causes and events. In the 25-plus years you’ve been in this industry, what are the major changes and remaining challenges you’ve seen within the community as a whole?

TD: I can't imagine the host of challenges that still lie ahead for the community. I have been lucky enough to be able to see first-hand, community by community and family by family, grow with each challenge and I have seen the hundreds become thousands.

 BB: A lot has changed since your career took off in the late 80s, both in the industry and for you personally. Becoming a mother is likely on the top of that list of changes. How have you changed personally and professionally? What is your secret to balancing a career and a family life?

TD: It is always difficult to look at oneself and see all that others may see. Yes I’m a mom and I run a successful career, but I still have to challenge myself, creatively and as a person. I still want to love and be loved and to live a very purposeful life. My children have kept me on course.

BB: I read that you went about motherhood in a somewhat unconventional way. Can you describe how that came to be?

TD: I guess you could say that I was ahead of the curve. 13 years ago I began the process of hiring a surrogate, and here I am…12 years later…with twins, Levi and Astaria. They are absolutely perfect and I couldn’t ask for anything more in life.

BB: You recently released a best-of collection. What is next for you professionally? Is there anything you’d like to try but haven’t yet?

TD: I would love to do a non-scripted TV series, executive production for TV and to be the host of a television show!

BB: What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

TD: I love nature, I need nature. I need quiet, mountain and sky to pray, think, release and refresh. Put me two miles up a trail in Yellowstone or on a kayak, watching eagles or whales…and you will see me at my happiest 

BB: When you’re not on the road and working, what is a typical day at home for you? Also, what do you do for fun besides entertaining? What are your other passions?

TD: I will always take advantage of sleeping in when I can. When I am not on the road, I use any morning time I could to rest my mind and my voice. Other than that, I am going on adventures with my kids whether it be Hawaii or hiking in a canyon!

 BB: You have a long list of popular songs to your credit. Many artists with iconic hits such as yours have said they grow tired of performing those songs. Do you ever feel that way, and, if so, how do you combat it?

TD: This is a common question, and there are a couple that I would rather retire…but I won’t say which! I love my fans, and the fans love my music! I don’t want to put a stigma on one song or another. Also, the audience changes from night to night, so what some like will differ on each performance.

 BB: Have Astaria and Levi expressed any interest in following in their mom’s footsteps in terms of career choice?

TD: Yes and no. My son is an amazing singer, and I hope that he continues. I always leave it up to him as I would never want to force either of my children to do something that they don’t want to. Once you start to push a child to do something they don’t want, it takes the joy out of it.

BB: What is your favorite word that describes your life today?

TD: Bold.

by Brandon Beard, OKC Pride Board

The Gayly – June 14, 2014 @ 9:10am