By Jane Quinn
Julie talks about frogs, treehouses, and Mickie Most…
Julie Felix
Julie Felix is a singer, songwriter, musician, humanitarian, dreamer, doer of good deeds, mother and grandmother.
Once upon a time long ago, in a land called California, this young girl dreamt of travelling the world and so she did. Flying on wings of silver, Julie eventually landed on the Greek Isles where she befriended many artists including Leonard Cohen, who borrowed her guitar. Although neither knew it at the time, these two were destined to make musical history in the days ahead. The journey had definitely begun.
After experiencing Europe, Julie arrived in England where she lived happily for the next 50 or so years. During those years, she found herself hosting her own television programme for the BBC, writing and performing many hit records, and touring the world, both as an entertainer and a selfless campaigner for good causes.
I am especially keen to share this cuppa tea with one of my heroes, Julie Felix who, at age 81, continues to fight the good fights, sing the good songs, and inspire us all. And I can happily confirm she still has the giggle in her voice and the twinkle in her eye.
When did you write your first song?
When I was seven or eight, I wrote I’m A Pixie From Another Land.
“I’m a pixie from another land, we don’t have these and we don’t have those, We don’t have fingers and we don’t have toes.
I’m a pixie from another land…”
Where do you keep your moral compass? I listen to my heart!
Do you have a treehouse? Yes, I have a beautiful treehouse that Richard built for me.
Julie with Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen or Bob Dylan?
I have always loved the songs of Leonard Cohen and was so blessed to have known him as a friend from the early 60s when I met him on the Greek Island of Hydra. Perhaps it’s because both Dylan and I are Geminis that I identify deeply with his lyrics.
Just as actors prefer to act in plays by certain playwrights, I seem to be drawn to the songs of Mr Dylan. I once recorded a double album of his music.
If you could have invited anyone, living or dead/famous or not, to our wee tea party, who would it have been?
Joan of Arc, Joni Mitchell and Virginia Wolfe!
Is love all we need? Yes!
Do you like frogs?
My Mother liked frogs and, as she was an only child, she made friends with frogs in Mission Creek, Santa Barbara, California. She would dress them up and give them all names. I have never had such close contact with them, but because of her love for them I somehow feel connected.
USA or England?
I loved my childhood in California when, most Summers, I would spend camping with my cousins on the Kern River. But I have lived in England for more years now than I haven’t. Sometimes I miss the warm climates of California, but I am happy that I am a British citizen now and prefer the culture here more than the questionable culture of there in the USA, especially since the influence of one Donald Trump.
Julie London 2020
What has been your best collaborative effort so far?
Between my self-conscience and sub-conscience. But looking back over the years, I must thank David Frost. He and Jimmy Gilbert gave me the chance to be the resident singer on The Frost Report. David was influential in getting me my own TV series when David Attenborough initiated BBC 2 Television.
I also had a creative relationship with Mickie Most being the first artist to achieve a hit record on his RAK Record Label.
What do you miss?
My youth and the energy that I once had, but I am grateful for the music I make and being able to share it, with my thoughts and feelings with those who pay to come and see me.
Did your dreams come true?
Yes, I believe they have. I once read On The Road by Jack Kerouac. I wanted to experience life beyond California and the USA. I travelled to Europe and wanted to keep on travelling. I’m travelling still and thank my lucky stars for the fate that has led me on my path.
Each day is new, and each moment is a new beginning. I am still on the road and welcome each and every new adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed that and hope you did too! Julie Felix defies description as she remains somewhat of a mystery, an enigma, a perplexity, both accessible and remote. As I ponder these traits, I am reminded of an evening many years ago when I was standing with Julie under a starry starry sky.
There was a sudden lull in the conversation as Julie quietly studied the night sky. Eventually, she pointed to the brightest star and asked, “Do you see that star?” I nodded. And then she told me her secret, “That is where I am from.”
I tend to believe her.
www.juliefelix.com
Special thanks to Trevor Tapscott for helping to make this tea party possible.
©Jane Quinn
Mighty Quinn Management