Conversation With Liz
Born in Sedalia, Missouri, Liz grew up in Hokkaido, Japan and Guam, Plattsburg, New York and Columbus, Ohio with her military parents. Following a career as a model and airline stewardess, she met and married her husband, musician, soul mate and performance partner, the late Paul Hope.
Paul was a saxophonist, flautist and “Jazz Man” who played in Gulfport area bands and opened for James Brown, Bobby Blue Bland and the like. He also played in the Army Special Service band during the Vietnam Era. Paul was the wind beneath Liz’s wings, who helped her polish her talent and told her “you can do this.” Starting in 1988, they produced beautiful music together, including two albums “The Power of Love” and “High Plateaus.”
After Paul’s untimely death in 1998, Liz, with three daughters still in elementary and middle school, took a step back from her music career. Then, convinced that Paul would want her to gather the strength to continue, she rejoined the entertainment world. A world class performer, she has appeared in The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Jamaica, and Hong Kong as well as all over the United States.
Enjoy An In Depth Conversation With Liz
Today, Liz is passionate about her art and eager to share her experiences and help others realize success in this exciting industry. Recently, in a relaxed conversation, Liz shared some insights into her background and personality:
Q: Where does your strength come from?
My strength comes from The Lord. After I lost my husband in 1998, I had to lean on God. I knew Paul wanted me to continue and I remember praying “God, you have to help me.” My three daughters, now aged 24, 22 and 21 encouraged and supported me. They said “Mom, you really need to focus on your music.”
Q: What is your fondest childhood memory?
My father was in the Air Force and we lived in Guam and Japan. I have vivid memories of Guam island life. The people are very gentle. And the island is so lush and beautiful. Having experience with different cultures makes you very adaptable and tolerant.
Q: How did you get started singing?
I sang in the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church choir in Columbus, Ohio in the late 60’s. This renowned choir was ahead of its time. We traveled, performed on TV, and made several albums. My brother Ira sang, too. I was shy, but the choir director pushed me to sing. I knew I didn’t have the “Aretha” power, but was told that I had a “real sweet, soft” voice. You can still hear the gospel influence in my songs. I do it without thinking.
Q: What’s the most rewarding project you’ve ever done?
The ‘firsts” are always the most rewarding. The first album – “High Plateaus” and my first video “Here’s Love.”
Q: Who has been your mentor or best friend?
My mother. She was a Georgia farm girl who became a military wife. She was a high achiever who expected the same from me. She built a strong family unit that sustained us and gave us strength when we traveled with our father. She told me: “Be brave, have courage and don’t talk so much!”
Q: What have you done in your career that has gotten the most powerful reaction from your public, your colleagues?
I’ve persevered. I’ve kept on ticking like the Energizer Bunny. When I wanted to give up, I kept going. That surprised a lot of people. I got my kids through college. I’ve always said ‘I’m going to be a finisher.’
Q: If you could choose anyone in the world, who would you invite to a private dinner party.
Wayne Newton! He’s a legendary entertainer and a fascinating person. He’s done so many things and it seems like he’s still having fun. He’s benevolent, a successful business man and a multi-millionaire. I could learn a lot from him.
Q: What would you say to young people starting out into the entertainment world?
Be ready when your time comes. Learn all the business – how to produce, write, sing, dance, act…the whole spectrum – be versatile.
Q: What is one thing that your parents told you that you’ve found most valid?
Two things: “All that glitters is not gold” and “Hope for the best.”
Q: What would you say to someone who feels discouraged about their life and work?
I would ask if they like what they do. Sometimes people are climbing a ladder on the wrong the side of the building. But, find out what you loved to do when you were a child and go with that. That’s where the purity is. Do it from your heart.
Q: What makes you feel most encouraged about the future?
That today women in their 50’s and beyond are not giving up. They can keep on doing what they love to do. People are continuing to feel, look, and be youthful. Plus, in the past this has been a male dominated profession, but now a female can be the head of her career, business and band.
Q: At the end of your career what would you like people to say about you?
That she was real and touchable. She made a difference, stayed the course and won her race!