Find out more about Aamir Yaqub here: aamiryaqub.info

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From Eartha Kitt's sultry 'Santa Baby' to Judy Garland's timeless 'Have You Self A Mery Littel Christmas', the joyousness of Whitney Houston's 'Do You Hear What I Hear' to Sinead O'Connor's ethereal version of 'Silent Night, each diva brings something different to the Yuletide celebrations. 

They also delve into lesser-known Christmas classics, the sultry vibes of jazz, and the surprising streaming trends of iconic holiday tracks. The episode wraps up with heartfelt holiday wishes and humorous reflections on the festive season.

The conversation is filled with laughter and a touch of nostalgia as they honour the legacy of these legendary artists.  

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Ammar is currently Global music critic and a features writer for The Guardian as well as writing for some of the most prestigious music publications including Crack, Downbeat, Apple Music, Hyphen, Jazzwise, Composer Magazine, The Economist, Mixmag, Vinyl Factory, WePresent, The British Library, BBC Proms, Huck, Dazed, Beat, M Magazine, The Times Literary Supplement, Clash, TANK and The Quietus. 

Ammar is also the author of the poetry collection, Kintsugi: Jazz Poems for Musicians Alive and Dead and the stunning new novel 'A Person Is A Prayer' published by Old Castle Books. 

In this episode, we explore the many facets of George Michael's life—from his early days as one-half of Wham! to his evolution into a solo superstar with hits like "Faith" and "Careless Whisper."

We dive into George Michael’s battles with fame, his struggles with personal identity, and his courageous journey as an LGBTQ+ icon who used his platform to advocate for equality and charity. Together, we reflect on his profound influence on pop culture, his complex personal life, and the timeless music that continues to resonate with fans around the world. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation about one of pop music’s most enduring and beloved figures.

We also discuss the broader themes within Ammar's new novel, 'A Person Is A Prayer', of death, legacy, strong women and the men who hold them dear.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Clapping

06:43 Introducing Ammar Kalia and His Work

12:52 Reflections on Death, Legacy, and Art

19:52 Blending Autobiography and Fiction in Writing

28:56 Choosing George Michael as the Diva of Focus

32:52 The Emotional Power of George Michael's Music

33:12 The Art of Making Covers Your Own

37:13 Emotions and Moods in George Michael's Music

41:07 Challenging the Perception of Divas

44:23 The Lasting Impact of George Michael's Music

53:46 The Timelessness of George Michael's Songs

01:18:56 George Michael: An Unapologetic Gay Artist

01:19:26 The Comparison: George Michael vs. Freddie Mercury

01:20:08 Masculinity and Sexuality: George Michael's Authenticity

01:21:08 The Surprise of George Michael's Coming Out

01:22:07 Societal Expectations and the Idea of a National Treasure

01:22:29 George Michael's Unapologetic Authenticity

01:23:25 The Changing Perception of Messiness and Sexuality

01:24:03 Surprising Differences in Monthly Listeners

01:26:46 George Michael's Memorable Quotes

01:39:05 Ammar Kalia's Upcoming Projects

Find out more about Ammar Kalia here: ammarkalia.com

Order 'A Person Is A Prayer' here: https://bit.ly/3Zzypee / Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Vhe6j5

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Dead Divas Lounge

02:17 Celebrating Aaliyah: The Queen of R&B

03:53 BVDHI's Personal Connection to Aaliyah

08:35 Aaliyah's Influence on 90s R&B

12:57 The Legacy of Aaliyah's Music

19:40 Aaliyah's Aesthetic Appeal and Cross-Genre Influence

25:32 The Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Aaliyah's Death

30:49 Aaliyah's Potential Career Trajectory

38:39 Aaliyah in Film: Queen of the Damned

40:51 The Impact of Early Death on Legacy

42:22 The Matrix and Aaliyah's Legacy

45:40 Aaliyah's Continued Influence in Modern Music

49:09 Nostalgia and the Resurgence of 90s R&B

51:10 Emotional Connections to Aaliyah's Music

01:00:29 Measuring Aaliyah's Legacy Through Metrics

01:14:07 Quotes and Reflections on Aaliyah's Impact

01:20:01 Looking Ahead: New Music and Future Projects

Tune in and honour Aaliyah, the Princess of R&B with us!

Find out more about BVHDI here: @bvdhi_music

Stream BVDHI on: Spotify | Apple Music

Find out more about Amiss Tori on amisstori.com

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We also discuss Dita's time on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 6 and get a world exclusive on her unexpected choice for snatch game. Dita also talks to us about her ridiculously catchy new single 'Dance Bitch' or as you might know it... Dita Dita Da Da Da Dita!

Get ready for an unforgettable conversation as we dive into the divine solitude of Garbo with the fabulous Dita Garbo!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dita Garbo

02:58 Discovering Greta Garbo

06:01 The Allure of Old Hollywood

08:56 The Enduring Legacy of Greta Garbo

12:11 The Connection to LGBTQ+ Community

15:01 Dita Garbo on Drag Race

17:52 Influences and Inspirations

20:58 The Snatch Game Dilemma

24:04 The Tooth Fairy Reveal

29:00 The Joy of Character Creation

30:00 The Birth of 'Dance Bitch'

33:03 Behind the Music Video

35:02 Upcoming Performances and Shows

36:55 Playing Garbo or Garbage

44:53 Reflections on Greta Garbo

48:56 Recommended Films to Understand Garbo

Find out more about Dita Garbo here: https://www.ditagarbo.com

Watch the music video for 'Dance Bitch' here: https://bit.ly/4focOKI

And tune in to this season of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK Season 6 here: https://bit.ly/3CibpXF

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Our journey takes us through the dusty streets of Costa Rica, where Chavela was born, to the vibrant cultural scene of Mexico, where she found her true calling. Through insightful interviews and archival clips, we explore the deep emotional connection Chavela had with her music, using it as a tool to express her unapologetic authenticity.

From her close friendships with legends like Frida Kahlo to her daring choice to live openly as a lesbian in a conservative era, Chavela's story is one of courage and resilience. The episode also showcases some of her most powerful and soul-stirring performances, highlighting her ability to convey raw emotions through every note.

Tune in to The Dead Divas Lounge as we celebrate the life of Chavela Vargas, a rebel ranchera diva whose impact on music and culture continues to resonate long after her passing. Discover the essence of a woman who fearlessly paved her own path, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and forever earning her place among the immortal divas of years gone by.

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In this episode, we unravel the layers of Josephine's extraordinary career, exploring her groundbreaking performances at the Folies Bergère and the legendary Revue Nègre. Get ready to be enchanted by the tales of her daring escapades during World War II as a spy for the French Resistance, showcasing her fearless spirit both on and off the stage.

Through captivating anecdotes and archival recordings, we delve into the significance of Josephine Baker as a symbol of Black excellence and a pioneer in breaking racial barriers. From her adoption of the "Banana Skirt Dance" to her unwavering commitment to civil rights, Josephine's impact on the world of entertainment and social justice is undeniable.

Join us as we celebrate the vivacious spirit of Josephine Baker, the high priestess of the Jazz Age, whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate in the hearts of fans worldwide. The Dead Divas Lounge invites you to relive the magic of an era through the lens of this indomitable force, forever etched in the annals of musical history.

Follow Amiss Tori on amisstori.com

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Discover the raw authenticity of Édith's life story, from her humble beginnings on the streets of Paris to the glittering stages of international fame. Through archival interviews and timeless recordings, we unravel the complexities of her tumultuous personal life, exploring the highs and lows that fueled her soul-stirring performances.

With a repertoire spanning timeless classics like "La Vie en Rose" and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien," Édith Piaf's music transcends language, touching the hearts of listeners across generations. This episode invites you to immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful melodies and explore the profound emotions that shaped the career of this enigmatic diva.

As we celebrate Édith Piaf's enduring legacy, we invite you to join The Dead Divas Lounge in revisiting the era of 1930's & 40's Paris, where Piaf's voice echoed through the cobblestone streets, leaving an everlasting imprint on the world of music. Tune in for an emotional journey through the life and artistry of a true icon, as we honor the timeless allure of "The Little Sparrow."

Follow Amiss Tori here: amisstori.com

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So what is the dead divas lounge?

Great question. It’s a brand new podcast (yes another one) which celebrates the life, the music and the legacy of the divas who are no longer with us but who continue to inspire us. Amiss Tori has spent years learning about their lives, playing their songs and now she wants to share their music and their stories with the world. Who else is coming?

Every guest (and their chosen diva) gets their own episode but other confirmed season one guests include a Grammy-award winning producer, a vocal coach to the stars, one of the world’s most successful podcasters, the Guardian’s global music critic and an array of recording artists.

Here's just some of the Divas we'll be discussing this season:

Edith Piaf / Josephine Baker / Amy Winehouse / Billie Holiday / Karen Carpenter / Whitney Houston / Aretha Franklin / Donna Summer / Patsy Cline / La Lupe / Nina Simone / Julie London / Marlene Dietrich / Judy Garland / Etta James Dinah Washington / Tina Turner

Janis Joplin & many more...

Find out more about Amiss Tori on amisstori.com

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