FIRST IMPRESSIONS: MICHAEL BOLTON
What are you working on?
I’m travelling the world promoting The Soul Of It All and touring the US and Eastern Europe in the spring. My new CD, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, just came out in North America, so I’ve been doing TV, radio and print press for that as well. I’m developing two sitcoms, a screenplay and a musical, so I’m keeping busy.
When were you at your happiest?
When I was very young, very poor and very carefree. I had little-to-no responsibility.
What is your earliest memory?
I don’t recall. I just know my mother never breastfed me.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Musically, Ray Charles.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
My occasional inability to be patient. But I’ve gotten far better than I used to be.
What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t really treasure possessions themselves, but rather the thoughts or the feelings behind them. I do treasure anything written by my daughters and loved ones.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Cruelty and mean-spirited behaviour. There is no excuse for it, and there is too much of it.
Do you have a fantasy address?
Somewhere near the ocean – the Atlantic or Pacific. Near the sound of the waves.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve disliked my nose for as long as I can remember.
What is your favourite book?
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.
What is your favourite film?
Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life.
What is your favourite record or piece of music?
Marvin Gaye’s Greatest Hits or Pavarotti’s Greatest Hits.
What is your favourite meal?
Eggplant Parmesan.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
I can’t share this one with you... yet. But my second choice is Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Which historical character do you most admire?
Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
It was sexually explicit and, believe me, not repeatable.
Do you believe in aliens?
Yes I do – and I feel like one at times.
What is your secret vice?
If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret any more, now would it? It used to be a Cuban cigar (the Trinidad) once every three or four months with a glass of wine. But I’ve cut it out. I decided that it was not worth the health risk or the negative effects on the vocal chords.
Do you write thankyou notes?
Yes, but I text and email a lot, too.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I’m sorry, I’ve just got so much going on.’
What single thing would improve your quality of life?
Love in a fully connected relationship.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
He lived a full life, and so loved his daughters.
The Soul Of It All: My Music, My Life, by Michael Bolton (Sphere, £17.99). The Michael Bolton Charities supports children and women at risk of poverty, abuse, homelessness and domestic violence: www.michaelboltoncharities.com
I’m travelling the world promoting The Soul Of It All and touring the US and Eastern Europe in the spring. My new CD, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, just came out in North America, so I’ve been doing TV, radio and print press for that as well. I’m developing two sitcoms, a screenplay and a musical, so I’m keeping busy.
When were you at your happiest?
When I was very young, very poor and very carefree. I had little-to-no responsibility.
What is your earliest memory?
I don’t recall. I just know my mother never breastfed me.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Musically, Ray Charles.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
My occasional inability to be patient. But I’ve gotten far better than I used to be.
What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t really treasure possessions themselves, but rather the thoughts or the feelings behind them. I do treasure anything written by my daughters and loved ones.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Cruelty and mean-spirited behaviour. There is no excuse for it, and there is too much of it.
Do you have a fantasy address?
Somewhere near the ocean – the Atlantic or Pacific. Near the sound of the waves.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve disliked my nose for as long as I can remember.
What is your favourite book?
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.
What is your favourite film?
Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life.
What is your favourite record or piece of music?
Marvin Gaye’s Greatest Hits or Pavarotti’s Greatest Hits.
What is your favourite meal?
Eggplant Parmesan.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
I can’t share this one with you... yet. But my second choice is Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Which historical character do you most admire?
Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
It was sexually explicit and, believe me, not repeatable.
Do you believe in aliens?
Yes I do – and I feel like one at times.
What is your secret vice?
If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret any more, now would it? It used to be a Cuban cigar (the Trinidad) once every three or four months with a glass of wine. But I’ve cut it out. I decided that it was not worth the health risk or the negative effects on the vocal chords.
Do you write thankyou notes?
Yes, but I text and email a lot, too.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I’m sorry, I’ve just got so much going on.’
What single thing would improve your quality of life?
Love in a fully connected relationship.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
He lived a full life, and so loved his daughters.
The Soul Of It All: My Music, My Life, by Michael Bolton (Sphere, £17.99). The Michael Bolton Charities supports children and women at risk of poverty, abuse, homelessness and domestic violence: www.michaelboltoncharities.com