The Dead Divas Lounge

In this festive episode of the Dead Divas Lounge, hosts Amiss Tori and her long-suffering Manager James, are visited by the ghosts of divas of holidays past. 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.  

In this episode of The Dead Divas Lounge we celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic George Michael. Our special guest is Ammar Kalia, a seasoned journalist, author, and broadcaster with a wealth of experience across the media and music landscape. 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Clapping06:43 Introducing Ammar Kalia and His Work12:52 Reflections on Death, Legacy, and Art19:52 Blending Autobiography and Fiction in Writing28:56 Choosing George Michael as the Diva of Focus32:52 The Emotional Power of George Michael's Music33:12 The Art of Making Covers Your Own37:13 Emotions and Moods in George Michael's Music41:07 Challenging the Perception of Divas44:23 The Lasting Impact of George Michael's Music53:46 The Timelessness of George Michael's Songs01:18:56 George Michael: An Unapologetic Gay Artist01:19:26 The Comparison: George Michael vs. Freddie Mercury01:20:08 Masculinity and Sexuality: George Michael's Authenticity01:21:08 The Surprise of George Michael's Coming Out01:22:07 Societal Expectations and the Idea of a National Treasure01:22:29 George Michael's Unapologetic Authenticity01:23:25 The Changing Perception of Messiness and Sexuality01:24:03 Surprising Differences in Monthly Listeners01:26:46 George Michael's Memorable Quotes01:39:05 Ammar Kalia's Upcoming ProjectsFind out more about Ammar Kalia here: ammarkalia.comOrder 'A Person Is A Prayer' here: https://bit.ly/3Zzypee / Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Vhe6j5

Welcome to Dead Divas Lounge! In this episode, we sat down with a couple bottles of red wine to talk with rising R&B artist BVDHI. As we dive into the wine we also dive into the extraordinary life and timeless music of the beloved R&B star, Aaliyah. Join us as BVDHI shares her insights on Aaliyah's influence on R&B music, her tragic death, and how her artistry continues to resonate with new generations. BVDHI shares personal anecdotes about her connection to Aaliyah's music and reflects on the impact of Aaliyah's style and sound on her own work. The conversation delves into the cultural relevance of Aaliyah's music today and the ways in which she remains a significant figure in the music industry.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Dead Divas Lounge02:17 Celebrating Aaliyah: The Queen of R&B03:53 BVDHI's Personal Connection to Aaliyah08:35 Aaliyah's Influence on 90s R&B12:57 The Legacy of Aaliyah's Music19:40 Aaliyah's Aesthetic Appeal and Cross-Genre Influence25:32 The Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Aaliyah's Death30:49 Aaliyah's Potential Career Trajectory38:39 Aaliyah in Film: Queen of the Damned40:51 The Impact of Early Death on Legacy42:22 The Matrix and Aaliyah's Legacy45:40 Aaliyah's Continued Influence in Modern Music49:09 Nostalgia and the Resurgence of 90s R&B51:10 Emotional Connections to Aaliyah's Music01:00:29 Measuring Aaliyah's Legacy Through Metrics01:14:07 Quotes and Reflections on Aaliyah's Impact01:20:01 Looking Ahead: New Music and Future ProjectsTune in and honour Aaliyah, the Princess of R&B with us!Find out more about BVHDI here: @bvdhi_musicStream BVDHI on: Spotify | Apple MusicFind out more about Amiss Tori on amisstori.com

In this episode of The Dead Divas Lounge', we’re joined by drag sensation Dita Garbo, hot off her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 6! Known for channelling the mystery and glamour of Greta Garbo, Dita is here to help us unpack the life and the legacy of one of Hollywood’s most elusive stars. We chat about Greta’s lasting influence on queer culture, her impact on drag, and how her mystique continues to inspire performers today. 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 Garbo02:58 Discovering Greta Garbo06:01 The Allure of Old Hollywood08:56 The Enduring Legacy of Greta Garbo12:11 The Connection to LGBTQ+ Community15:01 Dita Garbo on Drag Race17:52 Influences and Inspirations20:58 The Snatch Game Dilemma24:04 The Tooth Fairy Reveal29:00 The Joy of Character Creation30:00 The Birth of 'Dance Bitch'33:03 Behind the Music Video35:02 Upcoming Performances and Shows36:55 Playing Garbo or Garbage44:53 Reflections on Greta Garbo48:56 Recommended Films to Understand GarboFind 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

In this captivating episode of The Dead Divas Lounge, we delve into the life and legacy of the fearless Chavela Vargas, the Mexican Costa Rican singer who defied societal norms and redefined the ranchera genre. Join us as we unravel the enigma that was Chavela, exploring her early struggles, unique style, and passionate performances that made her an icon.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.

Step back in time with The Dead Divas Lounge as we pay homage to the incomparable Josephine Baker, the iconic singer, dancer, and international sensation of the Jazz Age. Join us for a mesmerising journey into the life of this trailblazing diva, from her humble beginnings in St. Louis to the dazzling lights of Paris.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