Get to know Ann Hampton Callaway!

Tony nominated Broadway star and Platinum selling singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her skills! Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Liza Minnelli, Carole King, Patti LuPone, and MANY others, there's no doubt that Ann is one of the best! Get to know Ann as she talks about her time writing the theme song for "The Nanny" and what it was like to work with the legendary Barbra Streisand!

1. What was it like writing the iconic theme song from The Nanny? Are you a fan of the show? It was an exciting challenge to write the theme to The Nanny, competing with top LA songwriters. I wrote 2 themes to have an edge, but the smartest decision I made was to call up Fran Drescher, who I was friends with, and interview her about what exactly she wanted me to pack into a mere 42 seconds. When I asked her who her character was in a nutshell she said, “She’s the lady in red when everybody’s wearing tan!” That’s probably why I nailed it.

Then, I told her to get Manhattan Transfer to sing the theme but she said, I want you! And am I a fan? I’m a huge fan! It’s a thrill to be a part of the most beloved and syndicated TV hits in history that are now showing on Peacock. My accountant still calls it “My finest work to date!” And Fran Dresher is my sher-o, she is an amazing talent and person.

2. It seems that your parents were a big influence in you becoming a singer and getting involved with music, so was there any advice they gave you that you still use today in your career?  My parents, John and Shirley, made it clear that they believed in my sister Liz and me by always telling us we could do whatever we dreamed of. Imparting that confidence and offering inspiration from their inspiring careers and talents was a huge boon to their daughters. I wish more parents would share that important nurturing. From my dad, a legendary radio and TV journalist, I learned that the more specific you are in writing and performing, the better.

I acquired my insatiable curiosity from him and a sense of responsibility that an artist has as a citizen. From my mom, a fabulous singer, pianist, and voice teacher, I am grateful she passed on her “designer genes” of a beautiful and expressive voice. She also imparted her deep conviction of exploring the lyrics of a song thoroughly to make the most powerful interpretation- to live in the song so it feels as if it’s happening at that moment, and to make it your own by connecting your life to the life of the story. 

3. With your background in singing, songwriting, music, and acting, do you prefer one over the other? If so, which one and why? Singing comes the most naturally to me, I am a born singer and it's not my job to, it's my calling. But I would not be a fulfilled person unless I wrote songs- telling the stories of my heart, my life, and the lessons learned through words and music, deeply feeds my soul. I am happiest when I get to use all my talents at the same time. 

Making my new CD, which debuted #1 on iTunes Jazz, called “Finding Beauty: Originals Volume 1,” was an example of that and it was a bucket list dream come true to tell my story through singing songs from my whole life and work with extraordinary artists to make something lasting. And getting to be inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame was a great honor that timed beautifully, just before the release of this momentous record. 

4. What was it like composing for the music legend, Barbra Streisand and how did it feel to get your first platinum record because of that? I revere Barbra as one of the top female artists of the 20th century, so it was a pinch-me moment when she recorded my peace anthem, “At the Same Time” after trying to get it to her for ten years. Only she could touch the hearts of 9 million people with my impassioned message. And, from our time rewriting the song to fit her needs, we developed a lovely artistic friendship where trust was built.

Getting to write her wedding song “I’ve Dreamed of You,” my second multi-platinum hit for her, was an even greater joy, and how wonderful to be on page 811 in her fabulous memoir for the work I did on that very personal love song. I hope everyone saw her SAG Awards speech- she is a trailblazer who has inspired and influenced just about everyone in show business and I know my life is all the better for her being in it and believing in me enough to share my songs on 7 of her CDs!

5. You’ve written music and lyrics for so many artists over the years, how do you come up with the perfect lyrics for the songs you write? How do you know you’ve written a hit? I do a lot of homework on what a song needs to be, to say, to feel like.  And, If I am writing for a specific singer like Barbra, I focus on what her aesthetic is and who she is as a person, so it feels authentic and just right. Then I let go and ran with my instincts.

I live by the creed of the French poet, Paul Valery, who said, “Art is the collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does, the better.“ For me, songwriting is a duet between effort and grace. So, when I finish a song, it must have that magic and mysterious energy to make it a lasting, memorable piece of art. If it has the ring of truth and my whole body feels good about it, then I can’t help but say, "This is a hit!” 

6. Do you still get nervous when you perform on stage? How do you overcome it? I get more excited than nervous when I perform. If I’ve done my homework and know my show, then I just go with the flow and have faith in myself being carried by the power of the chosen songs, the musicians I work with, and my beautiful audiences. I remind myself that I can only do my best, and if I am sick or unfortunate, my best will be a little different but still real. To me, the secret to getting over stage fright is to be so focused on the world of the song you are singing that you are entirely consumed by the story and not at all self-conscious.

If I make mistakes in my shows, humor lightens the moment when I say, “Callaway performances are like Indian fabric- the flaws contribute to the character!” My audiences love these ice-breaking moments and so that makes me feel there is nothing to be afraid of.  It does take a lot of courage to be an artist, though. You stand up there with your strengths and flaws, your conviction and your vulnerability, and you risk your heart every time. How do you do that? By knowing deep inside that we are all one big human family and that being your true and most loving self is the greatest gift you can offer.

Join Ann Hampton Callaway on Saturday, March 23 at 8pm as she Sings the 70s! Get your tickets TODAY!