Linda Tavani of Peaches & Herb, Singing The Music Of Her Heart & Blessing Others In The Process!

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

If you thought that "Shake Your Groove Thing & Reunited" was amazing, get to know the woman behind these hits! There is so much more to Linda "Peaches" Tavani than meets the eye. Talking to Linda was a refreshing experience. The way she describes the scenic journey of her life is as if you were reading a novel. Since we are members of the public, we are only able to see what the industry allows us to see regarding their "brand". We only know their music, but what we do not know is how much they have in common with us. I particularly admire Linda for her down-to-earth and relatable character. I found her easy to talk to and she was willing to share her stories, both good and bad, with me. Linda is one of the kindest and most generous individuals you will ever meet. Perhaps this is why God has blessed her so abundantly in her life.

I would like to share a bit about Linda before we begin this interview. Linda enjoyed unprecedented success as Peaches of Peaches & Herb. Linda's made black history too! As the first African-American woman to perform in Mainland China, she recorded seven albums with Herb (one album was only released in Argentina), toured the world, performed on the biggest stages, and graced magazine covers including Harper's BAZAAR, American Bandstand, Soul Train, and BET. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first African-American female artist to release albums in Argentina. A huge crossover hit, their song "Reunited" topped the Billboard Hot 100 Singles and the Pop Charts for four weeks. The song was also nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo category. Over 9 million albums have been sold by Peaches & Herb as a duo. They continue to be featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials around the world, and their hits are still featured on radio stations. Now, let's get into the interview.

Linda, I'm excited about interviewing you today. Thank you.

You're welcome. So, Linda, how was life for you growing up? Well, I grew up in rural Maryland, right outside of Washington DC. My dad is also from DC, but my mother is from Pittsburgh. Although my parents were not farmers, they owned some farmland on which they raised a few chickens. We never went without. We had everything we needed. Childhood is wonderful. One of my fondest memories is how much I enjoyed listening to the rhythm of a thunderstorm. Rainstorms fascinated me. My mother was a Christian and she taught me how to play the piano by just listening to her play hymns at our local church.

When did you know that you wanted to sing? I was about 6 years old. It was after watching, Stormy Weather” starring, Sammy Davis Jr., and Nat King Cole is when I knew that I wanted to sing professionally. These artists were also my family's favorites.

Did you try to mimic her? Yes, I wanted to do everything that I saw Lena Horne does. When I would watch her movies, I thought to myself, she's the most beautiful woman of color I have ever seen. I was in awe of her. I always knew that someday that would happen for me, and my dream would come true also.

Yes, that's awesome! I also admired women such as Lena Horne and Nancy Wilson. They have so much class. Growing up in an economically disadvantaged community. They were strong moral African American role models for young girls growing up in that generation. Watching them as a child similarly influenced my life. Watching them made me want to be different from many individuals within my environment. Both were powerful women, as are you. Thank you.

You’re welcome. So, tell me Linda, what were you doing before you joined Peaches and Herb? I was always singing. My sister always believed in me, she was my audience. In fact, I used to take walks through the beautiful moss-covered areas, walk to the pond, and sing my head off! As beautiful as that experience was, I wasn’t prepared for the disappointments and obstacles that I would encounter. Nevertheless, I had a praying mother and grandmother who believed that God what do something special in my life. So, I kept it in my heart.

One day, my father, who is a Carpenter, was on an assignment. A producer by the name of Van McCoy, who produced “The Hustle”, who moved to New York from DC, had a home there. He bought it for his mom in Broccoli Park. So, one day, while waiting for him, I was singing, playing the piano, and trying to remember songs. He saw me and told me that I was talented and that all I needed was a little more time and practice. He told me that I had something. I was very young at that time.

Years later, I auditioned for a band in Virginia Beach and that’s where I met Natalie Cole. She just happened to show up at the same time. She was playing at another club in the same area. Gina, we hit it off right away. When I told my family who I met, my sister came down to meet her because she was Nat King Cole's daughter. She's a sweet memory that I'll never forget.

How awesome is that to meet Nat King Cole's daughter? Yes. She was a huge encouragement to me in my times of trauma and despair. Some people may not know this, but I was in a major car accident. I was hit by a drunken driver.

Oh no! Yes, I flew through the windshield. What was even worse was that I couldn't afford plastic surgery. I thought to myself, that my career and dream of becoming a singer were over. On the other hand, because I still loved music, I kept moving forward.

What did moving forward look like for you? I joined a wonderfully talented cover band. I liked it because I could play anything, including music by Chicago, the Rolling Stones, and others.

Did you enjoy that band? Yes, because that band allowed me to perform other artists' cool music. I enjoyed it!

So great things began to unfold for you. Yes, Natalie Cole introduced me to her manager to me to see if he could help me. He told me that he was pleased with what he saw.

Being in a band before your success gave you the versatility and experience you needed to sing any genre of music. Absolutely, I was not just an R&B singer. I sang everything from the Rolling Stones’s top 40 to their top 100 songs.

So, you became pretty good friends with Natalie Cole? Natalie once told me that she wanted to go to the big time and her dream came true. She had the opportunity to play at the Kennedy Center. She wanted to get a record deal, but it was closed. So, between her saying goodbye and going back to Boston, we were roommates. I had a place, so I let her stay without charging her a dime. She wanted to give me something, but I wouldn't allow it. She told me that she wanted to leave something with me and pray for me because she believed that God had more in store for my life. Her words blessed me deeply. Gina, I attended church and I did what I could to live by the Word at that time, but I did not have the connections that I needed from God.

Natalie Cole was an amazing woman and I know that she was also a woman of God. Yes, whatever people said about her private life, I never saw that. I only saw her singing and enjoying life like me.

Where did your music career go from there? Well, one day while she was playing at the Kennedy Center, which was on a beach resort in Virginia Beach, I drove up to see her. While in the green room, I bumped into Mr. Van McCoy who just happened to be there as well. So, when Natalie Cole saw me, she hollered, “Linda, I can't believe you're here!” When the people who wanted to take photos of her and interview her saw her coming my way, they were curious as to who I was. So, my sister, who was also there reminded Van McCoy of who I was. Remember I was quite young when he first met me, so he couldn't believe it. Then he asked me, did I know who Peaches and Herb were? Although I had a dream to become a solo artist, I also liked Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. I thought to myself, I think I could do that. So, he then said that he wanted to put me in touch with their management because he was helping them find a new “Peach.”

There was only one girl before me that recorded with him. A lot of people assume that there were more because Herb wore people out because of his extensive touring schedule. It had nothing to do with his character or him being at fault. Back then, touring was exhausting.

So, you were the second recording artist? Yes, that is correct. He did tour with other girls, but then he got out of the business for a while. Now, when he met me, he hadn't been in the business for a while. There were some producers, one being Freddie Parent, who was working with Motown, and Jackson 5, and the guy who did all the music for a group called, Rare Earth, who was also part of my success with Peaches and Herb.

How did you end up being the second Peach? Herb has some time, so he was willing to interview me himself. So, he came by my mom's house to pick me up, we got in the car and Herb looked at me and said, “Let's go bowling.” (laughs)

That’s hilarious and unexpected! (laughs) Yes, that's what he said! So, I'm thinking, oh well, he (laughs) yes, that's what he said! So, I'm thinking, oh well, he probably wanted to show me how well he could bowl. In response to my question as to where the audition would take place, he stated that we already had the audition and that his manager would give it to me since I was highly recommended. He told me that he wasn’t going to worry about it. So, that's history.

How did your signature look with the braids and beads come about? I styled my hair in braids and beads so that I wouldn't have to worry about my hair as I traveled from town to town. The record company loved us together, so they got behind the project. So, God was all in it. He was my silent manager. My mom’s and my grandma's prayers were answered. They were an example of godly women. I’m grateful that they taught me the importance of having a personal relationship with God.

You’re so blessed to have had strong God-fearing role models in your life who not only told you how to live but lived it out as examples. Yes, thank you

Yes. Now let’s talk about your music. Reunited, I Pledge My Love, and Shake Your Groove Thing,” all major hits that I grew up listening to. Did you contribute to the writing of either of them? No, but I wanted to because I’m a songwriter. Here’s the beautiful part of my story. I didn't live a life that made me eligible to be a nun, but I was very good at what I knew how to do. I studied piano for 12 years and played with an orchestra. Music was the center of my life.

Yes. Very seldom do you ever hear somebody say, I heard the Lord say something, but I did. Here’s what happened. I had tried to get one of my songs on the album, but they didn't like it. That disappointed me. So, the next day, the producer & writer for the band, Rare Earth told me that he had a song that would be suitable for my voice. The song was called I Will Survive. Everybody talked about it, but Herb was not on board with that idea. So, I shrugged it off.

The following day, while in session, they told me that although they had enough songs, there was still room for one more. So, they agreed to let me pick the song. I sat in the recording room, in the dark listening to three demo songs. I started getting goosebumps. Right before the lyrics began on the last of the three songs, I believe I heard God's voice speak to me for the first time. That voice said this song is going to change your life and many others. I heard that voice so clearly. I really enjoyed the song but the entire time that the song played, I felt God's presence all around me. Gina, when I came out of that room, I felt like someone who had just left the planet. They asked me if I selected the song. I said yes, we're going to do “Reunited.” The recording experience was quite a session, quite a moment, and uncomplicated.

Reunited is a beautiful song. I really enjoyed listening to that song. And you're right, there's something very special about that recording. I agree because the words helped to heal and restore so many people's lives. At that time, the doors were wide open for R&B and pop music due to disco. A lot of artists who came out during that time didn't just do R&B, they also landed on the charts with pop music hits. Disco and pop music were both big during that time. They were already playing it in the dance clubs, but because of disco, it went global in popularity. So, I would say that was a historical moment in my life, and it is one that I'll never forget. The word that was said to me came to pass.

What a great story. I never knew Reunited had so many wonderful memories attached to it. So, tell me about the other two songs. As we traveled around the world, many doors were opened because of Reunited. “Shake Your Groove Thing" did well, and I Pledged My Love” became a wedding song on the wedding song list. Those songs were very meaningful to the writers, and what was even better was that they had just given their lives to the Lord. That was special.

Wow, that's awesome! What a wonderful story! You know, that's what the music of today is missing. Strong meaningful messages. Those of us who were there, remember when music held substance. It’s very hard to find those same components in the construction of today's music. For me, I just don't get the feeling from today's music as I did from the music back then. Back when music had something powerful and memorable. I just love the artists from that era in time. It's wonderful to reconnect with that experience. Now, in 1987, you sang on Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" song. I know that must have been an amazing experience. Tell me about that. Oh, my goodness. I think every young black child, including myself, was crazy over Michael! He would always say hi to us when we saw him at the Grammys or American Music Awards. He was just so admirable to me. It was almost like we knew each other better because there were so many qualities we both liked about each other. Every time he saw me, he would comment on my hair, my clothes, and my music. This was reciprocated by me.

At that time, I formed a meaningful connection with Tina Turner. We both played at the same casino in Las Vegas. I told her that I wanted to become a solo artist and that I felt as though that was the time to do it. Because she was also on that journey, she made herself available to me. She told me that if I felt as though that was the time to do it, then go for it. She went on to tell me that if there was anything she could do for me, don’t hesitate to reach out. I took that as a huge compliment because I'm a fan of hers and will always be. I decided to take that journey, but I had to get into deep thought as to how I would execute my plan.

You were a friend of David Bowie as well. Yes, David Bowie was also instrumental in my life. He was totally different off-stage than his on-stage persona. He imparted so much wisdom and great advice into my life. He taught me about what fame was and what it was meant to do.

How did you meet him? He had wanted to meet me. He asked his road manager to find out who I was and what I wanted. I try to be cool about it, but inside I was saying to myself, are you kidding? David Bowie! Yes, I’d love to meet him! (laughs)

That’s wild! Yes, and for 3 days, I hung out with him and his entourage. I even went to his concert which looked like a Broadway show instead of a concert stage and every song was like an ongoing story. It was amazing and I will never forget that experience.

Once you made it up in your mind that you were determined to go solo, what happens next? I left Herb and moved to LA. When Michael found out that I was out there, he got in touch with my boyfriend who is now my husband and asked him if I would be interested in singing in “Man In The Mirror” and performing it with him at the American Music Awards that year.

What was your response? I said yes, Of course, I will.

How did you adjust to California? It was this challenging. The weather was nice, but there were a lot of disingenuous people. Hollywood was more like gollywood! On top of all that, a new era of music was being ushered in. Everyone was trying to assess and adjust to changes that were taking place in music. So, Michael asked me to sing the backing vocal, and in some parts of the song, he wanted me to sing along with him. I was honored to be invited to do that for him.

I'll bet you were in awe just watching him work. He was a musical genius. Yes, he was. I was happy to work with him.

Life is like a bunch of puzzle pieces that connect us to various journeys. Life is always teaching us, but we must be willing to look, listen and learn. We learn, put it into practice then grow. It's an even bigger blessing when you get paid to learn while being a vital part of history in the making. So, I would have jumped on that also. It was an unforeseen and unexpected blessing indeed. That experience led me to Quincy Jones studio and even got a chance to meet Siedah Garrett, one of the writers of that song.

How were you able to adjust to the new changes just in the music industry? You know, that’s not something too many people talk about, adjusted to the new dawning of the MTV era. I know that I needed God’s help because I couldn't go back to what I was doing before but at the same time, I didn’t know how I was going to move forward. At that time, I became discouraged because of some of the record company meetings that I set up. So, when I met my husband, who was a producer, we immediately began working together because the chemistry was amazing!

How nice! Yes, it was a great blessing. I prayed and asked God for His help and He came through for me. I said, God, you might not even know me, but I know you knew my mother and my grandmother. I talked to God like that.

That’s beautiful. At what point did you realize that your musical career was shifting into a new season? When I thought about playing in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. For example, Céline Dion played in the main room of Caesars Palace for the longest time. After being on top, where do you go from there? You’re acclaimed with loads of awards and accolades, and you end up becoming the headline act playing in Vegas. Herb and I did that for a long time but after a while, I realized it wasn’t for me any longer. As the Peaches and Herb duo, our songs were #1 hits on the Billboard Charts, the Cash Box, and all the biggest reporting statistics for a long time. Right around the time that MTV came on the scene, I began to feel like that.

Even though the younger generation started producing reality shows based on actual events, I did not pay any attention to it. What bothered me was that while I was in Vegas, instead of staying in the main room, they shifted us around. Instead of staying in the main room, they had us performing in different places. So, I thought to myself, this would be an excellent time for me to consider doing what I've been planning my whole life. What really gave me that feeling was the song, "Reunited" because we sang it nightly. Somehow, I knew inside me that doing those Vegas shows would be the best that I would ever get performing with Herb. It was time for me to make a change. It wasn't because I was rejected by anyone. I just had a feeling that it was time to do it while I still had a name to be remembered and a track record that was proven.

Mentally, how did you handle the references that the younger generation would make regarding the music of the before generation? When hip-hop emerged, they would call our music old school. I don’t like that reference. I would say. Please don't use the word, O.L.D around me. (laughs) Why does it have to be called old school and what’s wrong with old school? Old school is when you're looking at old home videos of your home, family birthdays, parties, and good times. To me, it just seems like they put that label on it to push it to the side and say, yeah, you're from the old school. I refused to buy into that Gina.

I hear you. I think the same way. It's not old, it's good music! Exactly and I thank Natalie Cole, Tina Turner, and Diana Ross for all their support. We supported our sisters back then. SOS.

You and your husband are a married couple both working in the music industry. What advice would you give to other couples working together? I believe that without God it’s impossible to find the niche where music meets love. My husband and I worked on music first, but I felt in my heart that God brought us together. I kissed so many frogs that I was not about to kiss another one. In fact, I was so stressed out that my body went through changes. I received demos from Tina Turner's music director but after listening to them, none of them was a right fit for me. On the contrary, my husband's music (Steven Tavani) was. I loved his music because it sounded like dance music, but it had a gospel-style vocalist singing on it. It could go either way. He said, he’s really good but he might try to lead you to the Lord. I never heard of that terminology before because they didn’t say that at my AME Church. I've never heard of somebody leading you to the Lord or outreach. Once I learned of his roster including TV and other artists he worked with like Smokey Robinson, I was all in. So, I called him. During that time, I prayed and asked God for help. I said, God if you don’t help me, I’m not going to make it. I was too emotional and I was too vulnerable. That's not a good mix for women out there. So, Steven and I decided to work together. We haven't been apart since we began.

That’s a beautiful story. So, tell me about what you're doing now. We began an organization called WOW. It was because of him and giving my life to the Lord that a new door opened for me. Everywhere we go, we reach out to people who are residing in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Due to my reputation as Peaches, I get frequent invitations. We do free events (concerts) that include an altar call inviting people to give their lives to Christ Jesus after the show has concluded. It’s a big fun day of music and opportunities to win prizes. These events are ongoing. God has used me to be a mentor to so many of these precious young people. They even call me Auntie Peaches. That blesses me that God uses my husband and me in that way.

That’s awesome so you are using your singing gift to glorify The Lord! I have never stopped singing. I was simply undergoing a period of renewal and restoration during which I reconnected with my creator and became everything that God created me to be.

That’s beautiful! It’s nothing like the unquenchable joy you have when you make Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life and get busy doing His work. I'm so happy for the two of you and super proud of you both! Oh, thank you!

You’re welcome. Are you working on anything new? Oh yes, I'm always doing music. Currently, I have two singles on Spotify. I did a Christmas song that was written by David Foster called, My Grown Up Christmas List. At this time, we’re laying low for a couple of months to see what will happen with COVID-19. We have new music that I’ve recorded that hasn't been heard yet. When I sing and do local shows, I want to perform my music. At some point, I would love to do a tribute to some dear friends of mine like Donna Summers, Natalie Cole, and David Bowie.

In closing, what would you like to share? We're all at different levels of wisdom and experience. It’s wise to put yourself around people who have learned from their mistakes and who have paved the way. Whenever possible, reach out and learn from those who are at a different level that you haven’t yet reached. Older people are not considered old-fashioned; they are just people who have been where you are now. They have lived through ups and downs and have survived. Both the good and the bad.

Many new artists have stars in their eyes because they haven't been through what the artists who came before them experienced. Therefore, it’s wise to talk to someone who has been in the music industry and who has gained that type of experience.

Also, I would encourage anyone coming into this business to pray and ask God to direct them to the right people. Sometimes you may not like what God will say to you but, one thing that I've learned because God loves us so much, rejection is protection. In your mind, you think that the no was because the record company rejected you. You have to look at it differently. You may have gotten rejected because God may be protecting you from something that He doesn't want you to go through. After all, the music business is a hard industry. Last, ask God to bring people into your life who will lead you wisely and who will be willing to give you that opportunity.

Yes! Well said Linda. Thank you again for this amazing interview. You are a light in a dark world. I love what you and your husband are doing for others in the name of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. The work of your hands will be blessed by God, and you will share the gospel with those in need. I pray that God will bless you as you have blessed others. I'm so proud of you and proud to call you my sister in Christ. May the Lord bless and keep you and your family safe, healthy, and prosperous. Amen! Thank you. I am proud of the accomplishments that God has allowed you to make in this society. Thank you for your contributions to the publication of our music.

My pleasure.

Visit Linda Peaches Tavani's Website: Home - Linda "Peaches" Tavani (lindapeaches.com)

Linda Peaches Tavani Photo Credits: Linda Peaches Mic Promo (Photo: Élishia Sharie)

jeweled dress, braids on blue and the black leather hat and outfit the credit is Photo: Élishia Sharie.  paisley dress and the afro green & red dress Photo by: Isaiah Mays. All Other Linda Tavani Photos are courtesy of Linda Tavani.

END OF INTERVIEW