Elaine Paige shares her honest playlist: from the Everly Brothers to George Michael
Stage legend Elaine Paige opens up about the songs that shaped her life, from a childhood Everly Brothers tune to the track she would choose for her funeral.
Elaine Paige, known for her roles in musicals such as “Evita” and “Hair”, has revealed her personal playlist, sharing tracks linked to her childhood, career milestones and emotional memories.
Early musical memories
The first song she fell in love with was “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by the Everly Brothers. When she was 11 or 12, she used to sing it with a schoolfriend who lived across the road – Paige sang harmony while her friend took the melody.
The first single she ever bought was Perry Como’s “Magic Moments”, purchased from a record shop in Barnet High Street as a birthday gift for her mother, who loved Como, Andy Williams and Matt Monro.
On-stage surprises
In 1968, while performing in “Hair”, Paige was told just before the show that the actress playing the role of Jeanie and her understudies were unavailable. Terrified, she had to go on stage through a trapdoor, covered in beads, singing “Air”. Somehow, she knew every word.
One song she can no longer listen to is “Shall We Dance?” from “The King and I”. Her co-star Jason Scott Lee withdrew after three months, leaving her to dance with a succession of different kings in a huge crinoline dress, thick stockings, suspenders and corsets.
Party and private choices
For karaoke, Paige once sang “Hymne à l’amour” while on holiday in Nice with a friend, after an evening with too much rosé. At the time, she was about to play Édith Piaf in the West End; her friend sang “Fools Rush In”.
Her pick for a party is “Roxanne” by the Police, saying she loved the band from the get-go. As for a song to set the mood, she admits a penchant for Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game”, though she insists she has not tried it.
Morning, tears and farewell
Paige wakes up to Radio 4, then switches to Radio 3. She is a big Mozart fan – one of the first pieces she ever sang in public was the aria “Deh vieni, non tardar” from “The Marriage of Figaro”.
The song that changed her life is “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”, because without it she probably would not be where she is today. Cole Porter’s “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” makes her cry, as it reminds her of her mother. Her father was an estate agent but also played in a band called the Arcadians; her mother and she would wave him off and then listen to records on the radiogram.
Asked about funeral music, she says she does not want to think about it, but suggests George Michael’s cover of “The Long and Winding Road” – she was a huge fan and found his voice beautiful.
Elaine Paige’s new album “Miscellaneous Paige” is out now.
