By Ian Woolley
With her 60th year in showbiz, the second eldest Nolan has just released her debut studio album…
Usually known as the most reclusive of the legendary Nolan Sisters, it’s been over 43 years since Denise Nolan left the singing sister act to pursue a solo career. Now finally, to coincide with her 60th year in showbiz, she’s released her debut studio album.
I asked Denise where has all that time gone?
“I’ve no idea! It’s funny how things turn out, especially in showbiz as it can be so unpredictable”.
“I thought when I left the ‘Act’, I’d record the album and release it straight after, I didn’t think there’d be such a long delay – but I’ve had a great time in between, travelling the world and performing as a soloist!”
Described by Denise as a “total labour of love”, she recorded his album as an ode to Great American Songbook and Frank Sinatra, who she had the honour of touring with back in 1975.
The Nolans Go Cruising
In fact, it wouldn’t have ever come about until her recent stint on the latest series of The Nolans Go Cruising which prompted this album to be released in the first place.
Her sister Linda, surprised Denise by coaxing her up on stage to perform for their fellow passengers on the cruise ship.
In a sliding doors moment, I had the pleasure of spending a week on their ship MSC Virtuosa the week before the Nolans did. As they were boarding, I was disembarking. “Oh wow, so close!”
Denise added, “It was a great ship and it was just fantastic to spend proper time with my sisters, especially as we had to be so careful before due to COVID”.
“It was nice to be in a holiday bubble and kind of forget about all the doom and gloom”.
“We also got to talk about things we hadn’t really spoken about together before – such as when Anne and Maureen were in a convalescent home. I don’t think any of us really understood the magnitude of the event and how it affected us all in different ways until we discussed it on the ship”.
And she got back up on stage to sing with your sisters?
“I sure did! We weren’t planning on singing this time around, but when we got on the ship, the entertainment director was a huge Nolans fan and asked us to sing. I also sang solo on the ship too, I sang Every Time We Say Goodbye, which I’ve since released as a single and went to number 2 on iTunes. It is also on my album For You, My Love!”
Of all those Nolan’s hits, which one was her personal favourite? She laughs “None of them!”
Seriously?
“I’m joking, my favourite has got to be Attention To Me. I think if it was released today, it definitely would be a hit! I do enjoy all the hits and as time has gone on, I’ve developed more of an appreciation for them. There are so many great memories from that time and it’s nice to look back on the nostalgia of it”.
So what’s next for Denise Nolan?
“Right now, I’m throwing my all into the album release and from there, who knows! I’d love to be able to tour with the album and get to do another album. Hopefully, my sisters and I will get to do another series of The Nolans Go Cruising, as we absolutely love doing it and the fans seem to as well”.
“But in the meantime, I’m just thankful to be getting the opportunities and long may it continue!”
Her stunning new album showcases Denise’s impeccable vocal talents, with a powerful collection of beautiful love songs and standards that have each won a place in heart over the years, from the Great American Songbook.
In the March issue of the Beat, we chat in more length on what Sinatra meant to her and what it was like touring with the crooning legend on their 1975 tour.
A tour that Frank personally chose their group above some other big pop names on that list (all will be revealed)!
With executive production, arrangement and musical direction from Grammy-nominee John Coleman (Frank Sinatra, Dame Shirley Bassey, Eurovision, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda),
Denise feels this album is her masterpiece and is glad she finally got to make the album she always wanted to make…
Denise added “I signed my first solo record deal 43 years ago and it’s incredible to be given the opportunity to release music again! I’m so excited to be continuing my journey and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
Read the full interview with Denise Nolan in the March issue of the Beat. In it she talks about that cruise, touring with Sinatra and which one of the Nolans had the best singing voice…be in for a surprise!
Order your copy today.
DENISE NOLAN “FOR YOU, MY LOVE” is released on March 18th. For more information and to order the album, go to www.denisenolan.co.uk