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On The Mountain’

Which are the most popular Christmas numbers in the blues clubs? What are the most
requested Christmas songs you get?

The most popular are ‘Merry Christmas Baby’, and ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’.
Folks always ask for this song at Christmas…even though it’s not a Christmas song per se!
https://www.reverbnation.com/mercedesnicole/son
g/23875530-you-were-never-mine

Have you any stories about gigs around Christmas?
How much time do you have? I live in the Pacific
Northwest and it gets cold and wet. We’re not used to
snow or ice. One Christmas not only did I slide off the
road trying to get to a Christmas gig, when the piano
player and I finally arrived, he had forgotten to pack
the keyboard cord (lead), so we had to sing acappella

for two hours, but the crowd loved it…we all sang
along and it took everyone back to their childhood. We lost lights, and we all lit candles and just
kept singing! It was hilarious and wonderful at the same time. Now it’s a tradition. They just
want me to come and do sing-alongs, and it’s turned into a family affair.

What have been your musical highlights of 2022?

Doing the Blues Bash for the Washington Blues Society
in Shoreline Washington- I had an amazing set and the
crowd was incredible! Doing a reunion Show with
Reggie Goings at the Ugly Freddie’s - 200 rocking fans
were there, 15 singers, outdoor concert - Loved it!

Getting fabulous reviews and radio play all over the
world for my CD “Constellation”. The response has been
overwhelming! And I’m recording a new project with
the legendary Dexter Allen - the Mississippi Great!
You’re gonna love it! Will be completed Spring 2023.

What will you be doing Christmas day?

Christmas Day I’ll be cooking the turkey and all its
trimmings, mash potato & gravy, sweet corn
pudding, cornbread dressing, sweet potato pies, pound cake, and then I’ll watch as family, friends
devour it while we watch football.

And your plans for 2023?

I’d love to tour the United Kingdom. “Come across the Pond” as you put it. Looking to travel a
spell, and it would be awesome to come to London, Paris, and perhaps Holland.

To the Readers: Since the Covid Pandemic, I have learned to become more grateful and more
respectful of life. I treasure the stories of others. I spend time in thought and prayer. Stay safe,
and be grateful for each day. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Norman Darwen