Heather Small talks about the death of Whitney Houston:

“She was great, and definitely an icon and a diva in the true sense of the word.

“She was able to take any song and make it her own.”

Referring to Houston's signature song, I Will Always Love You, she said: “It's not that you take anything away from Dolly Parton because she wrote the song, but something that was so different, she (Houston) made it her own, because it was originally a country song.

“She just made it into this really big, big ballad, a very soulful ballad.”

Comparing Houston to Aretha Franklin and Billy Holliday, Small added: “For an artist to be able to relay something in their music, there is sometimes a pain or a feeling so deep that it can only come up musically.”

Heather Small and M People to perform at Sandance festival in Dubai on March 9th.
sandance.ae

Ghost The Musical press night

Heather Small attends the press night for 'Ghost: The Musical' held at Piccadilly Theatre in London. Held on July 19th 2011.

Special Olympics World Summer Games closing ceremony

Heather Small performing ‘Proud’ at the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games at the Panathinaiko Stadium, Athens, Greece. 4th July 2011

12ft Heather Small puppet in Manchester parade.

Music giants: 12ft tall puppets of Morrissey and Oasis brothers join Manchester Day Parade.

 

Originallly posted 17th June on menmedia.co.uk 

 

Puppets of Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Heather Small and Morrissey made by children for the Manchester Day Parade

A host of larger-than-life music icons will star in this weekend’s Manchester Day parade – thanks to the hard work of creative youngsters.
Giant puppets of Morrissey, M People singer Heather Small and a two-headed Noel and Liam Gallagher will take part in the celebrations on Sunday.
They’ve been made by a group of 25 seven to 19-year-olds from across east Manchester – with help from housing association Eastlands Homes.
Bridget Halliday, the group’s youth involvement officer, said: “They’ve really enjoyed the workshops and are looking forwarding to representing their community in the parade.”
Some 1,600 people are preparing to take part in the parade with more than 50,000 people expected to come to the city centre to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
Organisers say last year’s parade was an overwhelming success and generated more than £4m for the economy.
Council chiefs are hoping the turnout will be even better for this year’s ‘voyage of discovery’ themed event.
Sport, literature, medicine, music and diversity are among the sections of the parade which will honour some of Manchester’s greatest achievements.
Schoolchildren, community groups, charities, sports clubs and dancers are all taking part.
Participants have been working with professional artists and parade producers Walk the Plank at a workshop in Castlefield where the floats are now lined up ready for the big day.
Highlights are set to include a giant model of fantasy hero Gulliver, a Manchester galleon inspired by the city’s coat of arms and a contingent of mythical beasts including a rubbish-eating monster.
The parade leaves Liverpool Road in Castlefield at 2pm. It will travel along Deansgate, St Mary’s Gate, Church Street, through Albert Square and along Mount Street and Peter Street.

Be Inspired Business Awards performance.

On 10th June 2011 Heather performed at the BIPA (Be Inspired Business Awards) in Blackpool tower.

Photo tweeted by Ascroft Whiteside

The Olive Press Interview

Former M People singer Heather Small in Marbella

Originally post on: June 5, 2011@ theolivepress.es

By James Bryce

SHE has sold over 10 million records, performed in front of royalty and contributed to London’s successful bid to stage the 2012 Olympics.

And now Heather Small is bringing her magic touch to the Costa del Sol, with two intimate shows at Marbella’s Polo House restaurant next week.

The former M People singer is no stranger to Spain having had a number of holidays here, with one trip in particular, holding special memories.

“I’ve got a soft spot for Spain because I found out I was pregnant just before I went on holiday there, so I suppose you could say it was my son’s first holiday,” the 46-year-old Londoner told the Olive Press.

“He’s learning Spanish now and really enjoying it and he’s a massive sports fan so we’ve been to see Real Madrid play, which was fantastic,” she added.

Small will return to Spain again this summer with friends in Ibiza, but relaxation won’t necessarily be on the agenda.

“Some people like to relax on holiday but I love being active and going to the gym, which is probably a good thing with all that wonderful Spanish food,” she says with a hearty laugh.

“I went to Mallorca for New Year once and I remember having lots of fantastic tapas, with vegetable-based dishes and of course the Spanish love their meat.”

Small recently performed in Washington to an audience including Prince Charles, who she describes as being ‘very complimentary’, and is now setting her sights on the Polo House show.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she enthused. “It will be quite an intimate show which is nice because you get a better feel for the nuances of the crowd.

“But regardless of whether it is a big or small crowd you have to have a passion for it, and performing will always make me happy.”

Heather is performing June 7/8…Tickets from 100 euros including dinner. Call 952 900 380.

Euro Weekly News interview

KNOWN for the soulful voice behind 1990s' pop sensation the 'M People', Heather Small is visiting Spain for a concert in Marbella next month. She tells EWN reporter Nicole Hallett about stage fright and her favourite dance as a contestant in 2008 Strictly Come Dancing.

Born and raised on a West London council estate, Heather Small joined her first group, Hot House, as a teenager in 1987. She later moved to Manchester after a chance meeting with Hacienda DJ Mike Pickering and shot to fame in the 1990s as the lead vocalist of  M People with hit songs including ‘One Night in Heaven’, ‘Search for the Hero’, and ‘Moving on Up’.

In 2000, she released her debut solo album ‘Proud’, a critically acclaimed collection of self-penned soul and gospel anthems, followed by her second album ‘Close to a Miracle’ in 2006. Heather has visited Spain on several occasions:  “I have been to Barcelona and done the Gaudi thing; I took my son to see the big games in Madrid, La Manga, and I spent New Year’s Eve 2010 in Palma de Mallorca with my son. 

“We stayed in the old part, which I loved and we spent New Year’s Day walking around the harbour.  I love looking at the water and the boats. I do not like actually going in the water, but the water from a distance is very nice.”

After decades in the spotlight, Heather admits she still gets stage fright. “It is terrible. I know that the best thing for me to do is to know my steps and to know what I am doing inside out. To get on that stage and do well I have to be confident that I know my song well. 

“As the years go by I have realised that what an audience will forgive is a bad note; but that ain’t gonna happen. What they want is 100 per cent commitment. 

“They want you to go for it and I have always gone for  it, you know, and with experience you learn how to do that night after night without damaging your voice. You look after yourself.

“I actually have this little ritual I do to learn my songs. I am a bit superstitious ... I have this really old Walkman where the back has fallen off. I have to cover the backwith paper. When I go to the gym people look at me like they are thinking "that poor girl, she cannot even afford an iPhone."

"I do have an iPhone, my son puts stuff on the re for me, but I just feel more comfortable doing it the old way. When at home i just put my CD on.

"I drink herbal tea before going on stage. I do breathing techniques and relaxation."

But, once on stage, her stage fright disappears: "I love it", Heather says.

"When you get out there and you say the first few words and the sound is good, especially when you go out there with a band, it's amazing.

"There is no experience like it. It is well documented that I do not smoke, drink or do drugs. I understand the life you lead as a musician, the highs are so high and then you come off the road it is hard to come down from touring.

"I can understand how sometimes people can get into bad habits, but I have got a really solid family."

When asked which of her songs contain the most important message to her personally she is quick to answer. "'Proud', because I wrote it to myself. I have been able to put a roof over my head and I have been happy through singing. For me that is success.

“People think you can just measure it from what is in your bank account. I do not want to be known as a rich woman, but as a singer.” 

She admits she has always admired Gladys Knight,  Mavis Stapels, and Nina Simone.  

“I like heartfelt singers that have that element of something...” Heather was a contestant in the British television show Strictly Come Dancing in 2008. 

“The dancing and the training were absolutely wonderful. Getting up in front of the judges and being on TV was nerve-racking, she recalls. 

“I am glad I did it because I met some people who are now friends for life. 

“The waltz was my favourite dance. I didn’t have a least favourite but the judges might have done!”  Heather laughs.

EuroWeeklyNews.com - Originally posted on Monday 30th May, 2011

Pygmalion National Gallery Cafe press night.

Heather was in attendance at the after party on press night for Pygmalion at the National Gallery Cafe with her strictly partner Brian Fortuna. The event took place in the West End of London, on 25th May 2011.

 Photo by: Dan Wooller

An Intimate Evening with Heather Small : Marbella, Spain - June 7th & 8th

Located on Marbella´s famous Golden Mile, Polo House is to present An Intimate Evening with Heather Small, vocalist from M People.
The live performance, with songs from the greatest hits of M People, is taking place on the 7th and 8th of June. The evening, which includes a fabulous 5 course menu and show, costs 140€ (100€ with restricted view). Please note that drinks are not included in the price.- www.polohouse.net

For bookings and more information on the Heather Small performance and dinner, please call: +34 952 900 380 or email: contact@polohouse.net 

Sports Vibe Interview

Heather performs at Marshall Scholar alumni reception

Heather Small provided the entertainment at the Marshall Scholar alumni reception on Wednesday 3rd May  at the US Supreme Court. The event was attended by speaker Prince Charles and was in aid of the British Forces Fund and America's United Service Organisations.

St George's Game : World Record

Photos from Saturday 23rd April 2011. St George's Day Rugby game and world record, most backing dancers for a singer.

Video of Heather Small coachng the Wasps

Premiership Rugby Article

Heather Small takes Wasps' singing rugby stars through their paces

Originally posted on: 31 March 2011 - PremiershipRugby.com 

Soul singer Heather Small was on hand to give some of London Wasps star players a training session with a difference this week as she took a group of would-be singers through their paces.

Small, who will perform at the London Wasps V Bath Rugby St George's Day Game at Twickenham on April 23rd took players Riki Flutey, Tom Rees, Tom Varndell, Christian Wade and Steve Kefu for a singing session at the club training ground this week.England centre Flutey said: "It was a bit of fun but a few of us really enjoy singing and getting together with a guitar and she was able to give us some really good pointers. We're all looking forward to playing again at Twickenham and with Heather entertaining the crowd before we go out there we thought we'd take the opportunity to get some lessons in ourselves from an expert!"

Heather Small said: "Today was really enjoyable and the boys really came together as a team as the session went on. I'm really looking forward to singing ahead of their game at Twickenham. There should be a great atmosphere and hopefully a big crowd!"

Following some tips and advice from Small, the players sang a rendition of English rugby favourite "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" while Riki Flutey unveiled a song about playing for London Wasps.
Following last year's hugely successful event, which attracted more than 60,000 fans, the St George's Day Game will once again raise money for military charities. London Wasps are donating £1 from every ticket sold to four special charities: BLESMA, Combat Stress, the Special Boat Service Association and The Parachute Regiment.

Tickets are on sale now, priced from just £15 for adults and £8 for children. Call 0844 225 2990 to get yours and support this fantastic occasion.

Heather to appear on The Rugby Club tonight.

Heather Small will appear on "The Rugby Club" tonight on Sky Sports 2, 6pm - 7pm.

Small makes a big impression
Originally posted on Thursday 31st March 2011 by Alan Feldberg.

WASPS players got coaching of a different kind yesterday - singing lessons from Heather Small of M People fame.
Small was at the club's training ground just before lunch in the build up to her pre-match performance at Wasps' St George's Day game against Bath at Twickenham later this month.
Christian Wade, Tom Rees, Tom Varndell, Riki Flutey and Steve Kefu were all given a crash course in vocals before Flutey and Kefu, on the guitar, impressed with their own version of rugby song.
See The Rugby Club tonight, where Small's visit will be broadcast.

London Wasps Tweet

The London Wasps twitter account (@WaspsRugby) today posted this image of Heather along with their tweet: 

The boys getting a singing lesson from Heather Small this morning ahead of the @stgeorgesgame

Heather to sing at St George's Day Wasps Game.

Heather Small joins Wasps on St George's Day


Originally posted : 22 March 2011 on stgeorgesdaygame.co.uk

By Chris Paull

Heather Small will join forces with London Wasps in their annual charity St George's Day Game at Twickenham on April 23

Share London Wasps have confirmed that British soul singer Heather Small will be part of their annual St George's Day Game against Bath Rugby at Twickenham Stadium on Easter Saturday, April 23. The singer is best known for her signature song "Proud" which was a hit record around the world in 2000, as well as other favourites from her time in the band M People including "Search for the Hero".

Following last year's hugely successful event, which attracted more than 60,000 fans, the St George's Day Game will once again raise money for military charities. London Wasps are donating £1 from every ticket sold to four special charities: BLESMA, Combat Stress, the Special Boat Service Association and The Parachute Regiment.

Speaking on the event, London Wasps owner Steve Hayes said, "As we build towards this extremely special date in the Wasps and London sporting calendar, it is fantastic to be able to announce such an exciting part of the match day entertainment. Heather is a tremendously talented and much loved artist whose songs evoke great emotion and passion amongst people of all ages. We believe that she will be a wonderful addition to the day."

As well as the penultimate Round 21 fixture in the Aviva Premiership season, between London Wasps and Bath Rugby, the club will be hosting a full day of activities and entertainment for families. Hayes added, "This year's event will be even more special given that the match actually falls on St George's Day this year, but it is also Easter Saturday and just six days before William and Kate's wedding. We anticipate people will want to spend time with their families and friends, and that patriotism will be running high as the country builds up to the Royal Wedding."

Last year's event saw thousands of St George's flags, children with painted faces and moving tributes to the armed forces, including a standing ovation for almost 200 soldiers who had recently returned from active service in Afghanistan. The West Car Park will once again offer inflatable rugby games for children, a DJ, food and drink stalls and interactive military displays.

Tickets are on sale now, priced from just £15 for adults and £8 for children. Call 0844 225 2990 or click here to get yours and support this fantastic occasion.

Heather Small appears in Miranda sketch for Comic Relief

Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, Heather signs a Bauble.

Anastacia, Lulu and Heather Small sign a Bauble for the Liverpool Alder Hey Imagine charity.

About the appeal: 

Cavern Walks shopping centre has teamed up with a host of celebrities from across the UK to launch a Christmas campaign for Alder Hey Children's Hospital. The boutique shopping centre, located on Mathew Street, is donating a Christmas tree, complete with 12 baubles each signed with a festive message from a celebrity.

The Christmas tree and baubles will be donated to Alder Hey Children's Hospital this December and will take pride of position for staff, patients and family to see in the cafeteria. Celebrities queuing up to sign the baubles include Gok Wan, who was in Liverpool this week to film Channel 4's Gok Fashion Fix, and Spice Girl Mel C, who is currently starring in Willy Russell's Blood Brothers at the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

Derek Millar, Commercial Director at Cavern Walks, said of the charity campaign: 'Cavern Walks is very excited to team up with Alder Hey Children's Hospital for our Christmas Campaign. Celebrities have been very generous so far. Not only is the donation going to a fantastic cause, but it is also festive and fun for everyone visiting the hospital to enjoy.' Other celebrities who are generously supporting the campaign include cast members of Hollyoaks and Britain's Got Talent dance troupe Diversity, who are performing at the Liverpool Echo Arena on the 10th December. - [Alder Hey Imagine Appeal]