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Tori Amos Talks 'Midwinter Graces,' Shares Holiday Memories -- Exclusive Video

Tori Amos recently stopped by our New York City studio for a video interview surrounding the release of her first-ever seasonal album, 'Midwinter Graces.' During the two-part interview, Amos discussed the effort, as well as her own holiday traditions and memories, including one about performing at her minister father's church as a teen.

"Red leather pants was one of the things I remember," Amos recalled. "I was teaching the children's choir at Potomac United Methodist's Church, right outside of Washington, at one point in my teens. I guess I was about 15,16, and I had these great red leather pants. I was really inspired to take on the job because it's not as if anyone was banging down my door to offer me anything other than playing the bars -- which I was doing six nights a week. But I wanted to give something to the kids, and if that was the place that was letting me do it -- because of my dad -- and they did have a shortage of people who wanted to teach, I thought, 'OK.' It was kind of religious music but it didn't have to be filled with shame. We would pick the material that would make the kids feel good, and I had a really stormin' choir."

Watch the full interview after the jump.



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SCB

Tori, as always, has something to say that is both intelligent and poignant. The interviewer did a fairly good job with her. I have seen others that fail miserably. It's cool to hear how she works on songs/albums.

December 22 2010 at 6:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Penelope Delarosa

I hear that I am related to Tori and I have been searching for my family. My Mother was Princess Catherine, my father was Alberto Delarosa. I was kidnapped in 1985, following a horrific attack on Castle Rosemont that caused the death of my wonderful Mother. My Granmother, Marie Auguste, Titular Queen of Georgia, also died in the attacks. I was in captivity for 23 years and collectively unconscious for 13 years. I am searching for my family that loved me so well when I was a child. I need to tell them that my heart is broken without them. Tori's ears look like my cousin's, and one of mine, since they are different. If there is a way that she can be notified of my inquiry, please let her know that I love her music and that she is wonderful, regardless.
True Love is Eternal
Penelope Elizabeta Delarosa

True

May 13 2010 at 3:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ashley Hanna

Hello All, I have followed Tori since I first heard her voice at age 16! She is my muse, I adore her! I am an artist and many times she helps me paint. Her music may not be understood by everyone. (which is sad for them) But there are those of us who do get it. She continues to amaze me. I enjoy Winter Graces, not only because it's beautifully recorded, but because it steps outside the normal and welcomes you in. It's warm and inviting!

March 28 2010 at 7:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gaelle

I think Tori's got this beautiful way to tell us intimites but universal things when she talks about family, memories..; Keep have lot of respect and love for the artist and the women! whish one day i could see her in concert,because it's difficult when you live in France!her last touring i was preignant, so i couldn't go to Paris, Hope she will play soon in my contry (for mindwinter graces for example?)

February 09 2010 at 7:21 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe

How could the most beautiful girl in the world be more beautiful?? Well Tori found a way!!! Love

January 11 2010 at 3:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
don

Tori, my Goddess.

January 09 2010 at 5:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ted rivera

Thanks for everything Tori. Beautiful as always. I think i can speak for many people when i say you speak the launguage of our hearts and souls with all you do.

January 06 2010 at 7:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bongo John

I think the world of Tori Amos. I kept glancing at her hands - ever powerful, yet delicate. If she were ever in need of a key for her piano, I'd travel many, many miles to deliver the goods, hand her the key, and be on my way with a smile on my face all the way back to North Carolina. I enjoy every nanosecond of her sheer womanly wisdom that she shares with her "ears-with-feet" and would wash her feet for hours on end at her request. Roll posters, mysterious cigarettes, you name it ! Few can fathom how much effort she truly has put forth, and she completely deserves the attention she receives. A humanitarian to the Nth degree...
Wishing her the very best always,

Bongo John

January 06 2010 at 6:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BAT

I wish Tori wouldn't have done the cheek implants or gotten a nose job. It actually made her look older I think. She looks a little weird, but she's still my absolute favorite.

January 05 2010 at 11:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to BAT's comment
Shana

she can't possibly have gotten a nose job. Changing your nose changes your singing voice. This is why Streisand and Cher have never done their noses.

January 12 2010 at 2:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
roland

the interviewer looks like a young nancy grace

December 24 2009 at 4:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to roland's comment
CRB

I agree and disagree. she definitely has the haircut and general style that Nancy Grace does, but this girl is far prettier than Nancy could ever even try to be. also, she seems far, far calmer than Nancy does.

January 05 2010 at 3:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply