After Paula performed in The Virgin Islands, Christina Tarantola, a music reviewer for a newspaper called The Island Trader, had this to say: “Not only does she have a great sense of humor, but she can make you cry as you listen to ‘P.S. I Love You’ or ‘It Had To Be You.’ She truly knows how to bring you into a song both musically and lyrically.” (Photo by Janice MacAvoy)[/caption]

By Len Lear

Chestnut Hill chanteuse Paula Johns, one of the area’s finest cabaret singers, grew up in North Philadelphia in a very musical household. Her mother, Mertine Johns, was an opera singer who concertized throughout Europe and the U.S. Her father, William “Buddy” Johns, was an organist and choir director who was particularly fond of directing Handel’s “Messiah” and other classical pieces. Paula was certain that they would disapprove of her love for jazz.

“My father always wanted to know where I was going, so one night I invited him to join me. ‘Just come and have a ginger ale,’ I said. As we sat there, we heard the bandleader announce, ‘Here’s Paula Johns. Come up here and sing, Paula.’ When I finished singing Billie Holiday’s ‘God Bless the Child,’ my father started to cry. He said, ‘I didn’t know you could sing.’ So, I took my mother the following week, and after that, it was OK. They both knew what I wanted to do.”

Paula, who has gone on to become one of the area’s foremost interpreters of the Great American Songbook, is a regular performer at Dino's Backstage in Glenside. Her next performance there will be on June 16, when she will be doing a Tribute to Lena Horne with the Tom Adams Trio under the direction of Grant MacAvoy. She also does a steady brunch gig at South Restaurant & Jazz Parlor at 600 N. Broad St. every Sunday with the Grant MacAvoy Trio.

A graduate of Northeast High School, Paula attended the Charles Morris Price School of Advertising and Journalism and worked full-time as a graphic designer for local publishing companies while pursuing a career in the arts. She wound up singing and acting at Freedom Theater and studied with her mother and then with several other singers at Temple University. Because Paula has developed such a passionate following in Northwest Philadelphia, we wanted to ask her questions about her career before the June 16 gig:

Who are your heroes in real life, living and/or dead?

“My mom! She is in a nursing home in Germantown, and I spend most of my time with her. I still learn from my mother, who is/was an opera singer. She is my greatest inspiration. She shows me strength and courage and shares the music that is still inside of her.”

What was your favorite gig of all time? Why?

“Years ago, I performed at Settlement Music School in Germantown with the George Mesterhazy Trio. I was performing a tribute to George & Ira Gershwin. THAT WAS MY FIRST STANDING OVATION! I was SO SURPRISED and NEVER experienced that, nor was I expecting that! I'll NEVER forget that moment!”

What was your least favorite? Why?

“Performing at a country club in (let's just say, across the bridge; they shall remain nameless), the patrons were so rude and disrespectful towards me. This was actually the first time I ever felt there was a problem with the color of my skin. This was the first and only time I ever WALKED off a gig to NEVER return.”

Is the Great American Songbook making a comeback?

“I don't think it ever left. I think people are craving these songs more to help get us back to those ‘good ole days,’ those feelings of the old sensibilities we once treasured. Like falling in love, spreading joy, a spiritual center, a belief in God and happiness. I know it sounds corny, but I think this is ‘what the world needs now,’ LOVE!”

Who are your favorite American singers and composers, living and/or dead?

“Ella Fitzgerald for ‘just singing the song.’ Carmen McRae because she sings with such freedom. Nancy Wilson because she has such elegance, and Lena Horne HAS ALL THE ABOVE! I do enjoy listening to the current performers, like Dianne Krall for her beautiful arrangements and Dianne Reeves for the lushness of her voice...”

What is the song you most like to sing? Why?

“I'm so uncomfortable with this question, and I get it a lot! I can't choose a favorite. I think every song I do has become my favorite. Any song with a GREAT LYRIC is ALWAYS my favorite. OK, here’s one favorite, ‘My Favorite Things.’ I have a beautiful rendition of the song....I changed the entire feel of the song into something dreamy with an ‘adult-like’ joy! Oh, you just have to hear it!”

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

“In charge of a healthcare facility. I'd like to fix some of the issues that I see in these facilities and, of course, in my spare time, be a singer, actress and dancer.”

Which person in the world would you most like to meet and spend an hour with?

“Barbra Streisand and GOD! I'd like to ask Babs about working with lyricists and arrangers, the comfort level or uncomfortable level she felt when wanting to change a lyric or melody, etc. When I'm with God, I'd be like a child and ask Him WHY?”

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

“It’s always my last gig! I put 100% into EVERY gig. Picking just the right music for the occasion, choosing the best ‘look’ and pulling it all together to give the audience the best experience I can. It's hard work, but I LOVE IT!”

What do you think the future brings for you professionally?

“I don't know. I just keep working on TODAY! A friend always said to me, ‘Stay ready to keep from gettin’ ready.’ That's what I work on daily. And when the ‘future’ comes, I hope to be ready. My wish is to work with the Philly Pops and Carnegie Hall. My next gig!”

What is your biggest pet peeve?

"‘Woe is me’ stories that people never let you forget. Life is too short to keep repeating them. Move forward! Learn from them.”

More information at paulajohns.com or pjohnsinger@aol.com. Carole Verona contributed to this article.