A BACKBEAT R&B EXCLUSIVE WITH ‘EVELYN CHAMPAGNE KING”

Having been on the BackBeat R&B radar for quite some time, singer “Evelyn Champagne King” continues to capture the listening ears of fans from the US to the U.K for the last 3 decades. She is still performing and touring,  2019 ECK TOUR not bad for a young woman born in the Bronx and raised in Philly.  She was discovered while cleaning the restroom of  Philadelphia International Records in New York City by a music executive while singing Sam Cookes song, “A Change Is Goner Come”.  Two weeks later she was in the studio working on her first album.

In 1977, she released her debut album “Smooth Talk” which included her hit song “Shame” and peaked #9 on the Hot 100  Billboard, reached #7 & #8 on the R&B  Soul and Dance chart. The rest is history with hits like “I Don’t Know If It’s Right” and “Love Come Down” in which both songs were certified gold.

BackBeat R&B had the pleasure and the honor of interviewing Ms. King who took time out of her busy schedule to answer some of our questions and the journey she’s been on. We feel extremely privileged to have been given this opportunity to communicate with her.  Thank you, Evelyn, for sharing your voice and talent with the world! 

BB    I once read, you never want to stop singing your hit song “Shame”, it’s been over 35 years. Do you still feel the same way and how do you put so much feeling into a song you have sung so many times? 

ECK        Well you can never forget where it all started. I also enjoy very much singing the song “Shame” and it’s a fun song that brings people together.

ECK    Actually I was going on 17 when “Shame” was a hit. I know that I was raised right by my loving parents who supported my career and fun, and supportive siblings who also traveled with me on the road. That’s what kept me grounded. Also, always knowing where I came from. That’s what keeps me going.       

ECK  Well, I gather I would’ve been either a “DJ, Dancer, Actress or Working with Children in some way. Not saying none of these things can’t still happen.