A few words with Deborah Cox

Singer and performer Deborah Cox has had a successful career, but among her fans there are those who consider her an R&B-based artist, while others look at her as a star in the dance genre. Her resume includes an R&B album that was certified as gold (500,000 units sold) by the Recording Industry Association of America (“Deborah Cox”), and another platinum (1,000,000 units sold, “Wish”) – but at the same time, the dance remixes of her tracks “Things Just Ain't The Same" and "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here” scored high positions on the Billboard music charts.

She has also acted in film and on stage, and on Jan. 12 she’ll be appearing at Sugar Dining Den and Social Club in Carle Place. Deborah checked in with ExploreLI to talk about her career, what she’s up to these days and whether it’s OK to think of her as a “dance artist.”

The last show was in 2009 in Westbury (at GLO) when I debuted "Leave The World Behind". It was a great crowd!

I have no problems with that if that's what you are asking. If all you know is my dance material then that will be your perspective but I have R&B fans that don't view me that way.

It is something that I pride myself in. I have many styles to perform for my fans. I believe that’s what has given me longevity. I can do a club, a theater, a stadium.... being versatile and doing different genres of music excites me and has afforded me the opportunities to perform all over the world, from the hottest circuit parties to The World Music Awards, perform with Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli and tour with Cyndi Lauper and Lilith Fair with Sarah McLachlan, etc.!"

We currently have a song called "If It Wasn't For Love" on [the] Billboard club chart at #3. It's available on iTunes and the buzz on this song is amazing. (As of Jan. 10, “Love” is at No. 7 on the Billboard “Dance/Club Play Songs” chart)

No, no surprises and if I had one it wouldn't be if I were to share with you now.

I will be portraying Josephine Baker when it comes to Broadway (“Josephine”). We are currently waiting for a theater.

As artists, we grow and change, just like our audience does. It is a blessing to have the audience I have...young and old, gay and straight; black and white....it’s awesome to be able to bring all these people to the dance floor!!