Country music legend Tanya Tucker coming to Arcada Theatre

ST. CHARLES – After taking a four-year break from touring, country music legend Tanya Tucker is happy to be back on the road.

Tucker will perform Nov. 1 at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. The show starts at 5 p.m. and tickets start at $39, available by going to Arcada's website, www.oshows.com.

Kane County Chronicle reporter Eric Schelkopf had the chance to talk to Tucker about her upcoming show.

Eric Schelkopf: I know that you are touring again after being off the road for almost four years. What made you want to get back on the stage?

Tanya Tucker: It’s the fans that got me back on the road. They want to hear more music, and they want to see the concerts.

So, we had to oblige, and get back to work. So, we’re on the road, and Randy Travis let me use his bus. And we’re doing great. We’re having a lot of fun.

Schelkopf: Were you humbled that your fans would want to see you on the road again?

Tucker: Absolutely. It’s very flattering to me, and it made me feel really good that they haven’t forgotten about me, that they would want me back out there. I guess as long as people want me, I will be out there.

Schelkopf: Was it easy getting back on the road again? Was it like riding a bicycle?

Tucker: No. No, it’s not like riding a bike. There’s a lot of work, and I’m not in my 20s anymore. You just have to kind of pace yourself.

Schelkopf: I’m sure one of the songs you will be performing at the Arcada is “Delta Dawn.” I know that was a hit for you when you were only 13 years old. Why do you think it connected so well with people?

Tucker: One of the things that amazed me about that song is that youngsters were attracted to it, kids that were under 10 years old. And I don’t know what it was that struck them.

It’s definitely a mysterious song. A lot of people didn’t really know what it was about, and I think you can make your own mind up about what it’s about.

I don’t get tired of singing it, that is what’s interesting. It still feels fresh to me every time I sing it. And of course it’s the last song I sing during my shows, so I feel I have the crowd up and going by then. It just kind of puts them over the edge.

Schelkopf: Was that overwhelming to you, to have a hit song at age 13?

Tucker: Well, that’s the other thing. To be singing a song about a 41-year-old woman when you are 13 is kind of different. It was so different that Billy Sherrill didn’t want anyone to know how young I was. He wanted the record to make it on its own, not just because I was 13.

Schelkopf: And you were only 15 when you were on the cover of “Rolling Stone” magazine. Do you see yourself as being a groundbreaking artist?

Tucker: I hope so. I’m told that, from time to time, that I’ve kind of paved the way for other artists.

And whether it’s true or not, it still feels good.

Schelkopf: The music business has changed a lot over the years. What do you think of the state of country music?

Tucker: Things are also going to change. You just try to lead the way, instead of following. I’ve always tried to be a leader in that respect with my music.