Do you enjoy Dusty Springfield's "No Stranger Am I"? Maybe a little bit of "Morning" to start your day right? How many of you are a fan of the theme song from the hit TV Show & Movie, What We Do In The Shadows?
If your answer to any of these was "Hell yeah! She's talking about me!": You might already be a fan of Norma Tanega's work!
Talkin' Tanega
Norma Tanega was born to a Panamanian Mother & Filipino Father in California, 1939. A painter & singer-songwriter, Tanega was showcasing her paintings as early as the age of 16. After obtaining her Master's Degree in Fine Art's from CGU in 1962, Norma packed up her trusty guitar & her brilliant mind and took off to backpack across Europe before looking to settle down in what she called "the the center of the art world" in New York City. A outspoken opposer of the Vietnam War who largely performed in Greenwich with her guitar, it was on the East Coast that Norma was discovered during her tenure as a Camp counselor. Soon after, she released her first album "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog" (1966). "You're Dead", a song about her struggle in the NYC Music Scene, was later popularized by its use as a theme song for What We Do In The Shadows.
No Stranger Am I
When the titular song of her first album grew popular in England, Norma was asked to perform it on television in 1966, leading to her introduction to Dusty Springfield, who was rehearsing her own performance for the program at the time. Enraptured by the hard work that went into Dusty's rehearsal, the two of them immediately hit it off in the dark moments between rehearsals. Nonetheless, Norma's promotional trip came to an end when she eventually had to return to New York City.
However, Dusty didn't stop there. After allegedly racking up her phone bill in order to call Norma at her New York home, Dusty eventually paid a visit to the US herself in order to see Norma once more. It was during this summer trip that many consider their relationship to have started, which culminated in Tanega moving back to England with Springfield, where the pair lived together for 5 years.
It was over the course of this relationship that Norma Tanega ended up writing about several songs that showed up on Dusty's B-Sides, acting in a composing capacity as opposed to performing, including: "No Stranger Am I" (A Tanega Song covered by Springfield), "The Colour of Your Eyes", "Morning" & more, as well as several songs Norma has been uncredited for to this day. Their relationship lasted for nearly 6 years (many reporting its deterioration starting as early as 1970), before eventually falling apart upon Tanega's return to the United States.
Don't Think It Will Hurt If You Smile
During her time in the UK, Tanega was signed to an English Division of RCA records, where she produced her follow-up album, Don't Think It Will Hurt If You Smile (1971). The album, produced during her time with Dusty (who was alleged to be the subjects of many of the love songs), was often described as potentially largely appealing to Springfield's fan-base in both style & content. Despite being set up for success, Norma settled back in California after having to return for family matters, and was unable to promote her album, leading to an underwhelming reception at the time.
She began teaching music & English as a Second Language in 1972 in California, with a reignited passion for painting and other artistic pursuits. However, her passion for music could never be fully abandoned, having performed with many artists for new projects throughout the 90's & 00's, including hybridVigor, Latin Lizards & Baboonz.
Having rereleased her second album 40 years later, Norma had this to say about the albums title:
"The album title means just what it says and it is more important in 2011 with all the world in turmoil -- the Middle East revolutions -- the economic situation around the world and the terrible events in Japan. I believe in music, art, and love. Doesn't everyone?"
