The collection features unreleased recordings, and now EW is excited to premiere the alternate version of Superstar.
Its been more than four decades sinceThe Divine Miss Ms release.
Whats your most vivid memory of making the album?
Tom Hill/WireImage
It was a bit stressful!
I had come in with Barry Manilow and my band.
And I had asked for Joel Dorn to be the producer.
Tom Hill/WireImage
But Barry and Joel didnt get along.
A bunch of the album is live, and the rest is cut in the studio.
What do you remember about those days performing at the Continental Baths?
I could understand how other people would think it was odd.
But I was in community theater growing up and I understood that world.
The thing that was strangest was the dressing room.
It was in the middle of the floor, in this circular room, a barbershop.
Why do you think the album connected with a gay audience on such a deep level?
I think the word of mouth was seriouspeople talked about it.
And we really packed them in at the bathhouse.
We also played nightclubs around the country and were on the road for close to two years.
We built up a following.
AfterDivinewas released, you won a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1974.
What singers do you admire these days?
Im a mentor onThe Voicethis season, and these kids are so talented, just extraordinary voices.
And I cannot talk enough about Adele.
She has a magical voice and great chops, great sensitivity, wonderful songwriting skills.
The men are another story: I listen to old-school country like George Jones.
I didnt know what to do when he passed away!
Life does come to an end, my dear.
Any current male musicians you like?
I heard Shawn Menendez the other day.
No, those are the killers.
[Laughs] I mostly listen to the womenI love Beyonce and Lady Gaga.
I can sing along with them.
With the men, its harder to sing in their ranges.
Youll be performing inBroadways revival ofHello, Dolly!next year.
How are rehearsals going?
I have a little trepidation because its a steep learning curve, but Im excited!
Im hopeful common sense will prevail.
[But] its been so terriblethe anguish over this race.
Are you obsessed with Twitter?
Its easier to write short than long because it’s possible for you to find yourself falling asleep.
I look at it as entertainment, but I dont need that much entertainment in my life.
Then you feel like youre missing out on your life.
Youre throwing your annual Hulaween bash at New Yorks Waldorf-Astoria this month.
We have Kathy Griffin, shell be the hostess.
And Darlene LoveIll probably sing with her.
Were honoring Bobby Kennedy and Dan Lufkin, who helped create Earth Day.
Its the last time were doing it at the Waldorf.
The booze is going to be top-shelf!
