Singer LeAnn Rimes career took off at the tender age of 13 years old with a Bill Mack song called “Blue.” After reaching number one on the country album chart, she eventually moved toward pop music and the songs “How Do I Live” and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” kept her on the radio with a career selling more than 44 million albums.
Last year, she released re-recorded versions of these past hits along with “Borrowed” featuring the iconic Stevie Nicks.
This year, in honor of Record Store Dat, she dropped a live album titled Rimes: Live at Gruene Hall.
Rimes most recently started working with The Trevor Project, an organization that provides services for crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBT youth.
Windy City Times: How have you been, LeAnn?
LeAnn Rimes: I’ve been great! Glad it’s summertime, going to start recording a new album, still touring, family is good.
WCT: The last time you were with the Chicago LGBT community was at Roscoe’s. Will this be a similar appearance?
LR: Well, if the gods shine down on me, then it will be that spectacular.
WCT: Are you bringing backup dancers and a full band to PrideFest?
LR: This time around it will be just me.
WCT: At Joe’s in Chicago, you sat down and just captivated the audience. Are you planning a quiet moment like that or is that difficult with a street festival?
LR: Intimacy—a connection is what I want to bring to every show whether we are in a theatre or for an outside festival. I approach every show from that place, to create a bond between the audiences heart and my heart, that’s my goal.
WCT: What advice would you give a young star starting out in the music business?
LR: I would tell them what I would tell my 13-year-old self, take a deep breath and take in each and every moment and appreciate every moment life gifts you.
WCT: Are you bringing [husband Eddie Cibrian] with you?
LR: I am not sure. He will probably come if he isn’t shooting or it will depend if we have the boys, but I always love having him and the kids with me on the road when they can!
WCT: Do you really watch the movie Love Actually every year together?
LR: We actually do watch that movie together every year. It’s one of the things he promised me when we got married. [Laughs] It is my favorite holiday movie.
WCT: What music are you working on?
LR: I can’t say too much, but I am heading back into the studio in June and this record is going to be really different, really powerful. I am excited!
WCT: Do you have a song in your catalogue that reminds you of the gay community?
LR: “Love is Love is Love” from my album Remnants and “What I Cannot Change” from my album Family.
WCT: Are you coming to Lollapalooza this year?
LR: I’m not making it to Lollapalooza this year. I had so much fun with [founder] Perry [Farrell] and it was such an incredible experience to be there.
WCT: Didn’t you get a tattoo at Lolla that time you were there?
LR: Yes, I did. Speaking of new tattoos, I have been mulling around in my brain about a new one.
WCT: What are your future plans for the rest of 2019?
LR: I’m working on the new album, touring, vacations, the sky’s the limit!
Rimes headlines at PrideFest Sunday, June 23, at 9 p.m. at the Papa John’s North Stage.