This video is from July 1984 when I was 23 years old and had just moved to New York City. When I watch it, it weirds me out because of the naïveté and the folly of youth, not to mention the arrogance of youth that I express here. Yes, I did eventually “take off like a stick of dynamite,” but so much happened between then and when things finally happened for me. I wish I could shake this kid and say, “honey, you shouldn’t be so arrogant” because ultimately, the city spit me out by December 1984 and I left to gather myself back in Atlanta. New York turned out to be much harder to conquer than I initially thought. Eventually, I moved back to New York in 1987, but didn’t really get my big break until I got a record deal in 1992. Yes, NYC is where someone comes to make their dreams come true…but it was a lot harder than I thought it would be — you gotta be willing to put in the work. By the time I returned to New York, I was willing to put in the work. And I did. I guess it really does take that kind of naïveté to be willing to approach something like that because if someone had told me what I’d have to go through, would I have still done it? Who knows. So, what would I tell this kid if I were to see him today? First, I’d say you don’t have to be so guarded. I understand why you are guarded, but you don’t have to be AS guarded. Let people see some of the crunchy edges…it actually makes you more endearing if you show that vulnerability. Number two, is to learn a little more technique: acting technique, singing technique, hosting technique, because that always comes in handy. Take the time to learn your craft because it will take you places beyond your wildest dreams. XORU
25 years since we shot “But I’m a Cheerleader.” Did I know it would become a cult classic? No, you never do. But I’m so proud to have worked alongside such incredible talent to make it happen.