Questions And Answers With Joyce!

A Joyce Vincent Interview........

Q1. I'm sure everyone remembers you from Tony Orlando and Dawn, but you've done so much more than that! Let's talk about your early days in Detroit, MI. You were in a group called the Deboniares, what can you tell us about that group and was that your first experience with singing?

A1. Yes, I formed my first girls group back in the 60's. I still remain friends with all of the ladies in group. As a matter of fact I see them every year when I go to Detroit. That was my first experience singing professionally. My dad was a jazz musician so I was surrounded by music.

Q2. You are a highly respected and in demand background vocalist and have been recording for many years. Who are some of the artists you have worked with?

A2. Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Johnny Taylor, Chairmen of the Board, George Clinton, Edwin Star to name a few. I can't possibly name them all!

Q3. What was it like recording in the legendary Motown Studio A? Do you remember some of the tracks and/or artists you worked with? Do you remember some of the legendary producers?

A3. Of course it was a wonderful feeling. I've only worked a few times in the legendary Motown Studio. Most of my work was spread out into many studios in the
Detroit area. We worked quite a bit for the famous producing and writing team Holland-Dozier-Holland, and also Don Davis, Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore just to name a few. We also worked a lot with Jack Ashford of the Funk Brothers.

Q4. When and how did you first meet Scherrie Payne?

A4. I met Scherrie in 1968 at Invictis Studios. We were in the studio doing some back-up work and met I Scherrie and Freda Payne.

Q5. What was it like at Invictis Records? We know you are on Freda Payne's "Band of Gold" with Scherrie and your sister Pam. Can you tell us some of the
other hits you are on at Invictis?

A5. We were the in-house background singers. We used to have so much fun doing those sessions. There was lots of creating and so much laughing. It was so
awesome watching HDH (Holland Dozier Holland) in action. I have learned much from that experience. Some of the songs I appear on besides Band of Gold are
Give Me Just A Little More Time by Chairmen of the Board and Track of the Cat by Dionne Warwick.

Q6. A couple more questions about Tony Orlando and Dawn. The group was one of the 1970's most successful acts, and here in the USA had a very successful CBS variety program what was that like to work on TV?

A6. It was lots and lots of hard work, but it was so worth it! The best part was meeting all of the guest stars we had on the show.

Q7. Do you have a favorite Tony Orlando and Dawn song or LP?

A7. Well I don't have a particular favorite song, but I lean toward the album To Be With You.

Q8. Like The Supremes, Dawn was known for your fabulous gowns, who designed them and do you still have some of them?

A8. Our gowns were designed by Michael Travis who trained under Bob Mackie, need I say more? And yes, I do still have some of those gowns.

Q9. A lot of the gowns were reminiscent of Supremes' gowns. Was that done on purpose?

A9. I don't think it was done on purpose, I just know that they were going for High-Glam. And the Supremes were definitely High-Glam.

Q10. When Mary Wilson left the Supremes in 1977 it was said that you were going to be her replacement and would join Scherrie and Susaye as the third member. As we know now, the group didn't continue after 1977. Were you disappointed then that you didn't get your chance to be in this legendary group?

A10. Yes, I was somewhat disappointed, but sometimes in life things don't always go the way we want them to.

Q11. Let's fast forward, 32 years later, and you are singing alongside Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence, Formerly of The Supremes, how does it feel to finally
get to stand on that stage and sing Supremes songs?

A11. It feels so good to be involved with keeping this music on the forefront. I've known this music all of my life, so its almost like second-nature to be doing this music

Q12. It was reported that you filled in on a Japan tour, and on a few other dates last year. How was that?

A12. A little nerve racking to be called in at the last minute due to a group emergency to fill in but, it worked out really well.

Q13. At that time, one Supremes' fan said, "Joyce finally gets her turn to shine!" I liked that quote. How does that make you feel to hear that?

A13. Its a good feeling to know that I have been accepted with open arms.

Q14. When and where was your first official performance of 2009 with Scherrie &
Lynda?

A14. My first 2009 performance with Scherrie and Lynda was on October 1 and it was in Spain.

Q15. How was the audience/venue?

A15. The audience and venue was wonderful. These Ladies (Scherrie and Lynda) are truly loved by their audiences.

Q16. What were you feeling when you put on the gown, put on the make-up and took that first step on the stage?

A16. At first a few butterflies, but 30 seconds into the performance they were gone and it felt like OLD HOME WEEK. It felt Wonderful!

Q17. We all have a favorite Supremes song. Do you have one that you particularly are fond of?

A17. I am kind of partial to Love is "Like an Itching in my Heart."

Q18. In November you were with The Ladies on the "Divas of Motown Show" at the Hammersmith Apollo with Jack Ashford's Funk Brothers Band, Brenda Holloway, Thelma Houston, Chris Clark, and Mabel John. Will this be your first time in the UK? Have you met any of these other artists?

A18. This was not my first visit to the UK. I toured there several times with Tony Orlando and Dawn in the 70's. I have worked many times with Jack Ashford
back in the day. I had met Chris Clark and Brenda Holloway in September at the Heroes and Legends Awards dinner in Los Angeles.

Q19. The Ladies travel all over the world, is there anywhere you haven't been that you'd love to visit? You might get your wish! This group travels all over
the world, sometimes to very exotic places!

A19. I wouldn't mind visiting Egypt. Never been there. Who knows, maybe we might go there!

Thank you, Joyce! It was lovely chatting with you. We welcome you, we support you and we are here for you.

- David Kramlick and Eric Iversen