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NORMAN DARWIN’S CHRISTMAS

INTERVIEW

TOMIKO DIXON

The surname gives it away, of course – Tomiko is the grand-daughter of the great Willie Dixon. She is
also a fine blues singer in her own right, and as she tells Norman Darwen, she enjoys Christmas!
ND: Was Christmas important to your family and were there any particular Christmas songs you re-
member being important?

TD: Ooh, yes, Christmas is definitely one of my most favourite times of the
year. I love being of service and helping others at this time of year. I
look forward to the light shows and Christmas carol songs. I’m not sure
about the entire family, but my favourite songs are ‘Santa Baby’ by Eartha
Kitt, ‘The Night Before Christmas’, and The Temptations’ ‘Silent Night’.
ND: Do you add any Christmas songs to your live repertoire
around Christmas time?

TD: No, not yet, but I’d love to record a Christmas and Old Negro
Spirituals Album one day. So we’ll see what the future holds.
ND: What other songs are popular around the clubs around this time?

TD: I really don’t notice a difference in the music in the blues
clubs here in Chicago at this time of year. But one riff you
can count on hearing and being played is my grandfather,
Willie Dixon’s ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ (wink wink).

ND: Have you written any Christmas songs yourself?
TD: Yes, I was inspired to write one song so far, titled
‘Kill Santa’. It’s about the young version of me being bitter
about never getting what I wanted for Christmas and I’m blaming
Santa… I have not recorded it yet. The lyrics are a bit explicit - I
wrote it for a heavy metal rock style!!

ND: What will you be doing Christmas day?
TD: On Christmas Day I will be spending time with family and friends. We always volunteer at
the Englewood Food Pantry to give out hot meals and give away gifts and clothing items to
Chicagoland residents & other communities.
ND: And what are your hopes for the new year?

I hope to be able to help more people in need and make a difference in the world as we move
towards a better future.

ND: Thank you, Tomiko. Anything else you want to add?
TD: I want to wish everyone a very merry and joyful Christmas, and may your year be filled with
joy, happiness and love… and LONG LIVE THE BLUES.