Famed singer and performer Natalie Cole will kick off the RI Convention in Los Angeles by headlining the California Experience at the new NOKIA Theatre on 14 June. To hear more from Natalie about her musical plans for the evening and to get an update on her life, we sent writer Digby Diehl, who co-authored Natalie’s 2002 autobiography, to have a conversation with the star.

Although her birth date is undeniably 6 February 1950, Natalie still looks like a kid half her age. If you’ve seen her perform, you know that she has the energy of a kid half her age too! I caught up with her on a rare day when she wasn’t in the recording studio, where she’s been laying down tracks for her 21st album. I asked her if she planned to sing some of her new songs for Rotarians.

Natalie Cole: When I sing for a concert, I try to put some music from every part of my career into the mix. I still love to sing some of my R&B hits, like “This Will Be,” and I always do some “classics” from my standards albums, Unforgettable and Stardust. Recently, however, I have been experimenting by bringing a jazzy flavor to some pop songs. For example, on my recent album, Leavin’, there is a little tune first done by Des’ree Weekes called “You Gotta Be.” I ended a show in Palm Springs with it not long ago, and the audience – who were definitely not kids – loved it. I’m continuing the new album in a jazzy vein, so I am sure that I will include a couple of my newest songs for the Rotarians.

Digby Diehl: How do you make a song that you have sung many times, like “Unforgettable,” sound fresh?

NC: You know, I think that when you love something as I love that song, it is just effortless. When I first began performing “Unforgettable,” it was much more difficult for me. I was still so attached emotionally to the experience of doing it in the studio and missing my dad, and being reminded of why I did it in the first place. It has gotten easier over the years, although sometimes I still get emotional. That song keeps me connected to my dad, and at the same time, it reminds me that we lost him way too soon. The word unforgettable has taken on a new, bittersweet meaning for me.

DD: Are you connected with Rotary? Can you talk about your own charity work?

NC: No, I am not connected to Rotary, but I am familiar with the philanthropic work of the organization, and I admire what they do. I generally don’t talk about my own fundraising or philanthropic work, but I think this audience understands. This will be the 12th year of a fundraising event I co-founded for research at Cedars-Sinai hospital in ovarian cancer. Each year, we sponsor an award for cancer research in my father’s memory. I perform every year for Nancy Davis’ fabulous Race to Erase MS, which supports a dedicated group of doctors and scientists in their research on multiple sclerosis. I’ve done work for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. I’m also involved with several mentoring programs for youth.

DD: I know that you do a lot of work for your church.

NC: Again, that is a part of my life that I consider very personal. God is my greatest joy, my true source of inspiration. I am active in my church, and I like to keep that private.

DD: You’ve been more private lately. I haven’t seen you in the tabloids in a long time.

NC: (laughing) Maybe I’m just behaving better! Seriously, in recent years I haven’t felt the need to let everybody know what I’m doing every day. So many of my earlier years were lived out in the public that you’d think you would get used to it. But you don’t. I realized after much therapy and good counseling that it’s not anybody’s business but my own. I have learned how to shut up and just not tell people my business. Am I happy? Yes.

DD: If I recall correctly, you started performing at the Hollywood Bowl when you were only 11. You’ve been onstage all of your life. Ever think about retiring?

NC: Never. You know me better than that. I learned my love of performance by watching my father. His ability to connect with an audience was very important to him. He loved communicating in song, and people responded to him in a very personal way because of how he sang. I am having a good time when I am singing to an audience – “allowing the song to be the star” is the way my father put it. If I’m enjoying myself, I know you are going to enjoy it too.

DD: You’ve lived a remarkable life so far. Any thoughts, in addition to your love of performing?

NC: One of the hardest lessons to learn is that you have to take responsibility for your own life. The other thing I would say is that your life really changes when you are a parent. My son Robbie, who’s 30, is such a terrific young man. He is a musician, a drummer, who plays with me and understands me. We have a very cool, wonderful relationship. That, and the richness of my spiritual life, help me stay grounded.