Debbie Gibson on Her New Hanukkah Song and Connection to the Jewish Community

Before there was Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, or any of the young female singer-songwriters on the charts today, there was Debbie Gibson. Bursting onto the music scene in 1987, she set the Guinness World Record at 16 as the youngest artist ever to have written, produced and performed a Billboard number-one single, for the song “Foolish Beat.” She still holds that record.

I’ve followed Ms. Gibson’s career for three decades, having seen her multiple times in concert and on Broadway in “Beauty and the Beast” and “Cabaret.” Lately, she’s been busier than ever. Last year she released her 10th album “The Body Remembers,” and this October released her first holiday album “Winterlicious.” 

While listening to “Winterlicious,” I noticed that she had recorded an original Hanukkah song called “Illuminate.” I knew that Ms. Gibson was not Jewish, so I was curious about what inspired her to write it. To answer this question and others, she kindly took time from her current tour for a Q&A via email.

Jewish Journal: This is your first holiday album. Why was now the right time for one? 

Debbie Gibson: I’m a believer in divine timing and this is my true second act and a moment of deeply inspired music!

JJ: What inspired you to write a Hannukah song for your holiday album? 

DG: Growing up on Long Island there was a very strong Jewish community. I always felt that Christmas music was so prevalent, but the message of Hanukkah needed a stronger musical presence. I wanted to honor this community that has such strong values and commitment to their faith.

JJ: What message do you want to convey with “Illuminate”?  

DG: The idea that people set out on a long journey and trusted that they would have enough light for eight days and nights even though technically the oil should have only lasted for one is so beautiful and honestly the same message that gets me through my days. The line “There’s always enough for those who have faith” is something that was born of the story of Hanukkah but is so universal and so needed in these times. The Jewish people have always fought against overwhelming odds with conviction, strength, and dedication. I don’t ever claim to know what the Jewish people feel in their soul in relation to the Holocaust and antisemitism. I can only shine a light on this beautiful people and celebrate their tenacity and commitment to faith and family the best way I know how … which is through music.

JJ: You not only wrote “Illuminate,” but you have sole producer credit on it as well. Did you have a clear idea from the start on how you wanted it to sound?  

DG: I did! And though I produced this song I enlisted the help of some incredible arrangers and musicians: John St. Claire and Filip Thorpe as well as Sean Thomas who all contributed greatly to the sound. I wanted it to be spacious and spiritual and to allow the song and message to be the star. I must also shout out friends and Broadway stars Orfeh and Andy Karl who lent their incredible voices and Johnny Gibson who did the mix to perfection.

JJ: Another song on the album, “Cheers!” is a moving tribute to your mother Diane, who sadly passed away earlier this year. She wasn’t a “Jewish mother,” but she was the original “momager,” as you’ve called her. How did she guide —and protect — you in the music business?  

DG: I think Sicilian and Jewish Mamas have a lot in common! She was a Mama Bear, which I needed as a teenager in the male-driven music world. She encouraged me to hone and own my skills above all else because nobody can take that from you. She also allowed me to grow up on my own timeline when male record execs would have had an easier time selling a sexier teenager. But, she wanted me to be sane and healthy and happy above all else … and, I’m proud to say that I am all of those things. And, thank you … yes … “Cheers!” is a song that pays tribute to savoring moments with those we love and raise a glass to those who are here in body and those eternally here in spirit.

JJ: In 1996, you toured as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” and was this close to taking the show to Broadway. What’s your favorite memory about playing Ms. Brice?  

DG: I always connected to Fanny Brice as I had the same chutzpah! I would talk my way into auditions that I didn’t have an appointment for. I was always very resourceful. Working my vocal chops and physical comedy skills to the level that the role demanded was like being in the Olympics. I met Jule Styne before he passed and he gave his wife Margaret the final say on casting me … which she did.  He also passed along a gift to me, which is a cassette of a song called “He’s My Fella” that was intended for the original but instead became “Coronet Man”, so I got to debut that song in our production and I have the cassette in my home of that original demo with Mr. Styne playing piano and singing. It was all so surreal and challenging and to have the mission to rise to that occasion and to portray one of the greatest entertainers of all time was a once in a lifetime magical experience! Ms. Brice was a trailblazer and a strong woman who went toe to toe with men at a time where that was frowned upon. The pregnant bride moment was probably my favorite musical number along with “The Music That Makes Me Dance.” What a full circle moment for me as I recorded “Let It Snow” for this holiday album written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn.

JJ: While you’re not Jewish, you clearly have a strong connection to the Jewish people. Tell me about that. 

DG: I played Baby June in the Bellmore Jewish Center’s production of “Gypsy “as a kid and loved being surrounded by the cast and crew but the most lasting impression was made by the women who were fierce and funny and bold and joyful. They took me under their wing. Our Mama Rose was a woman named Roz who was an extraordinary local talent. I later was in a long relationship with a very observant Jewish fella who introduced me to the Sabbath and Shabbat dinners. I love that there is a period of time with no phones and focus on family and food and being present in the moment without distraction. I now live in a very religious Jewish community in Las Vegas and always greet my neighbors as they head to temple with their families. It’s a beautiful scene! My bestie from Junior High Iris is Jewish, my longtime agents, as are so many close friends. I could go on and on … it’s almost odd pointing all of this out because quite simply the Jewish community is a part of my world and always had been.

JJ: You seem to be busier than ever now. What keeps you going? 

DG: Connection! To art, to music, to community. I’m all about connection.