Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Saving All My Love for You (1985)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This was Whitney Houston's first big hit, her introduction to a mass, national audience. But music was not her first career. While she was still in high school, Whitney was a model and Seventeen magazine cover girl. Is there a print magazine in your home right now? If yes, who is on the cover?

A. George Washington is on the cover of the print magazine on the kitchen table.

2) During her modeling days, she also appeared on packaging for Simplicity patterns. Can you sew?

A. I can sew on buttons and occasionally patch things, but no, I cannot sew. My mother used to sew. She made many of my clothes up until she made me something that was so outrageous that the first time I wore it to school, all the kids laughed at me. Then I begged for "store bought" clothing. Or at least less outrageous material. I think it was fabric that she'd gotten on sale somewhere. I don't remember what it looked like, just the laughter.

3) "Saving All My Love for You" was the record that made Whitney Houston a superstar in the UK. Let's flip that: Tell us about a British performer you enjoy listening to.

A. Sir Michael Philip Jagger is the lead singer and founding member of The Rolling Stones.

4) This song was composed by Michael Masser. He left his career as a stockbroker to pursue his passion for music and scored his first major hit with "Touch Me in the Morning" by Diana Ross. Do you feel you have a greater affinity for the analytical/logical or the creative/emotional?

A. I am an English major, and I write stuff, so I suppose I am more attuned to the creative/emotional side of things. However, I can be very logical when necessary.

5) The lyrics were written by Gerald Goffin. He, too, took a circuitous route to music success. After high school he joined the Navy. When that stint was over, he went to college and studied chemistry. He worked in a lab for a while, but that was just to earn a regular paycheck until he could support himself with songwriting. What was your first job after you finished your education? How long did you stay at that job?

A. My education took me 10 years to obtain, as I did not go the traditional college route. I worked the entire time I was in college at various jobs. Several were in manufacturing, many were in the legal profession, and some were in the news writing business. When I finally received my bachelors degree in 1993, I was working at a law firm, and I stayed there for another year. Then I went into freelance writer only, although I had been freelancing since 1984.

6) While this week's song was Whitney's first hit, it wasn't her biggest hit. That was "I Will Always Love You," from the soundtrack of her movie The Bodyguard. "I Will Always Love You" was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton. The film's star and producer Kevin Costner called Dolly personally to get her permission to use her song, a courtesy she appreciated. Who has recently been thoughtful or kind to you?

A. Several of my friends have been nice to me this week. We've been supporting one another.

7) Whitney was a big fan of tomato soup. So is Barbra Streisand. (Maybe it bestows some kind of musical superpower!) What's your favorite soup for an autumn day like today?

A. I like chicken with rice.

8) 1985 wasn't just big for Whitney. It was also the year Bruce Willis became a household name when his TV series premiered on ABC. Can you name it?

A. I think it was Moonlighting but I never watched it.

9) Random question: While dining out, have you ever sent food back?

A. I have, but I don't recall the circumstances.

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