Lynda Carter was best known for many years as TV’s Wonder Woman, but today she earns that title anew for her lush singing voice and zestful concerts backed by her band of all-star musicians. This week she returns to the Kennedy Center for “Body and Soul,” a brand new program that promises to top her appearance here two years ago. “I’m in the process of putting new music together,” she said. “Every year I re-vamp my program to make certain that at least half is new. I love exploring new music for myself and always aim to include exciting numbers to make it even more interesting than the last time. It’s not so much focusing on a particular composer’s songbook but on a variety of music that gives the feel I want to have and a story to tell.
“Once I get together with the band in Nashville, it’s the collaboration that’s the most fun, just playing with them and coming up with the feeling I want. When it comes to arrangements, I’m always hands on. We work for six hours during the day and go through how we want to best approach it. Because all are top caliber musicians, it’s like working with masters. They’ve played on Grammy-winning recordings with the best entertainers in the business.
| Onstage |
| Lynda Carter |
| » Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater |
| » When: 7:30 p.m. Friday |
| » Info: $30 to $65; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org |
“For instance, my drummer, Paul Leim, has played on many gold and platinum albums and gives exhibitions. My keyboardist, Pat Coil, has toured the world with Amy Grant, Vince Gill and Carmen McCrae and recorded with Natalie Cole, Trisha Yearwood and many other stars. Saxophonist Sam Levine plays woodwinds for country and gospel artists and SNL, and my backup vocalists work with Reba, Wynonna, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and just about everyone else in country, R&B, pop and gospel.”
Knowing that she can rely on such prestigious company, Carter makes the most of her engagements. Last year, she was a headliner at the Virginia Arts Festival in Williamsburg with a cabaret show similar to those she performs to great acclaim around the country. The success of her “Crazy Little Things” CD released last year already has inspired her to gather songs for another recording next season.
To tantalize her fans and invite the public to watch her at work, she has established a Lynda Carter YouTube Channel where she tests her latest songs and presentations. “I want to put people in the seats wherever we perform and this is a great way of encouraging people to come out to a wonderful show now that the economy is improving,” she said. “I love getting ready to share our new music in a very relaxed rehearsal atmosphere and anticipating the boost when I walk out on stage. Before taking this new show to the Kennedy Center, we’ll fine-tune it in San Francisco and some of the jazz clubs we play there and in and New York. Then look out, Washington.”
