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Call Me Debbie: True Confessions of a Down-to-Earth Diva
Internationally beloved opera star Deborah Voigt recounts her harrowing and ultimately successful private battles to overcome the addictions and self-destructive tendencies that nearly destroyed her life. Call Me Debbie is one of the most electrifying performances of Deborah Voigt’s life. The brilliantly gifted opera soprano takes us behind the velvet curtains to tell her compelling story—a tale of success, addiction, music, and faith as dramatic as any role she has performed. For the first time, she talks about the events that led to her dangerous gastric bypass surgery in 2004 and its shocking her substantial weight loss coupled with the “cross addiction” that led to severe alcoholism, frightening all-night blackouts, and suicide attempts. Ultimately, Voigt emerged from the darkness to achieve complete sobriety, thanks to a twelve-step program and a recommitment to her Christian faith. Colored by hilarious anecdotes and juicy gossip that illuminate what really goes on backstage, Voigt paints diverting portraits of the artists with whom she’s worked, her most memorable moments onstage, and her secrets to great singing. She also offers fascinating insight into the roles she’s played and the characters she loves, including Strauss’s Ariadne and Salome, Puccini’s Minnie, and Wagner’s Sieglinde, Isolde, and Brünnhilde, sharing her intense preparation for playing them. Filled with eight pages of color photos, Call Me Debbie is an inspirational story that offers a unique look into the life of a modern artist and a remarkable woman.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2014
34 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 7, 2018
I really enjoyed how honest and real Debbie was. I think this is a book that even people that don’t know opera that well, or at all, can read and relate to. I definitely don’t struggle as hard as she does/did with certain things in life, but I still found comfort and insight in her experiences and story telling. Brava, Diva!
June 8, 2015
There are so many stereotypes about opera and opera singers which Deborah Voigt debunks through her own autobiography. With a wonderful sense of humor and playfulness, especially evident when writing about dire situations, she counterbalances anecdotes about her heavy drinking, eating, and live performance mishaps with sharp personal smackdowns.
Deborah Voigt loved to sing and her father claims that she sang before she talked. Brought up in a strictly religious Southern Baptist family, it was fine to sing in church, but anything else was not acceptable, and the family hoped that young Debbie would outgrow her interest. At a young age, she had what would be called a religious epiphany that she had to sing. This provided the solid foundation of her life, through the good and bad times, as a world renowned opera singer.
Her weight, excessive though it was and brought on by serious emotional problems, has elicited questions about why it is not all right for the female singers to be plump, but for the men to be viewed as huggable teddy bears, while the women are seen as ungainly. Sir George Solti auditioned her for a recording session and told her that she would be a “great Isolde,” but directly asked her why she was so fat, and was it the food. All of this concern or curiosity and the audition was for a recording where she would not be seen. Voigt quips, “. . the legendary conductor didn’t want to be associated with a fat broad. [not even on the cover of a CD]
And there was the incident of “the little black dress” at the Royal Opera House in London in 2004 where she was fired because she did not fit into the dress. At her Carnegie Hall recital debut Voigt poked fun at the entire incident in a parody song of Wagner roles which ended with, “And this business we’re in, well, it’s really a mess; not to mention the deal with the little black dress.” The audience roared with great loud cheers and yells.
She is refreshingly candid about about some well-knowns in and outside the music world, but there are two singers for whom she gives nicknames, who must still be alive and as insinuatingly petty as Voigt portrays them. Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti are shining knights on and off stage, and her singing teacher, Jane Paul Hummel, is an angel.
Her story is not only for those who know and love Deborah Voigt and opera, but for everyone who has had strong goals and ambitions, but are clueless how to achieve them. Through a long and troubled marriage, separation, ill-conceived relationships, food and alcohol addiction, gastric bypass surgery, and finally a major intervention and stint in rehab, Voigt emerged stronger and aware of her personal problems and how to deal with them. Her autobiography is reflective, touching and laugh-out-loud funny about the best and worst times in her life.
Reviewed by Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Central Library
Deborah Voigt loved to sing and her father claims that she sang before she talked. Brought up in a strictly religious Southern Baptist family, it was fine to sing in church, but anything else was not acceptable, and the family hoped that young Debbie would outgrow her interest. At a young age, she had what would be called a religious epiphany that she had to sing. This provided the solid foundation of her life, through the good and bad times, as a world renowned opera singer.
Her weight, excessive though it was and brought on by serious emotional problems, has elicited questions about why it is not all right for the female singers to be plump, but for the men to be viewed as huggable teddy bears, while the women are seen as ungainly. Sir George Solti auditioned her for a recording session and told her that she would be a “great Isolde,” but directly asked her why she was so fat, and was it the food. All of this concern or curiosity and the audition was for a recording where she would not be seen. Voigt quips, “. . the legendary conductor didn’t want to be associated with a fat broad. [not even on the cover of a CD]
And there was the incident of “the little black dress” at the Royal Opera House in London in 2004 where she was fired because she did not fit into the dress. At her Carnegie Hall recital debut Voigt poked fun at the entire incident in a parody song of Wagner roles which ended with, “And this business we’re in, well, it’s really a mess; not to mention the deal with the little black dress.” The audience roared with great loud cheers and yells.
She is refreshingly candid about about some well-knowns in and outside the music world, but there are two singers for whom she gives nicknames, who must still be alive and as insinuatingly petty as Voigt portrays them. Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti are shining knights on and off stage, and her singing teacher, Jane Paul Hummel, is an angel.
Her story is not only for those who know and love Deborah Voigt and opera, but for everyone who has had strong goals and ambitions, but are clueless how to achieve them. Through a long and troubled marriage, separation, ill-conceived relationships, food and alcohol addiction, gastric bypass surgery, and finally a major intervention and stint in rehab, Voigt emerged stronger and aware of her personal problems and how to deal with them. Her autobiography is reflective, touching and laugh-out-loud funny about the best and worst times in her life.
Reviewed by Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Central Library
February 28, 2018
I ate this one right up AND...I know some of these people! Very interesting read, very honest and brave. Amazing to think that we have NO IDEA what some people are going through.
Brava Miss Voight!
Brava Miss Voight!
October 17, 2014
√ YOU ARE HERE TO SING!
That was the voice that the author heard, whilst still a young girl in 1974, sitting in bed. These words, apparently a message from God, were "powerful enough to put me onto the path I would follow from that moment onward." Indeed, starting from such modest beginnings, that little girl went on to become a great opera singer, starring in many of the most famous operas in history, and performing on some of the greatest stages on earth.
It was not at all an easy route for young Debbie. There wasn't much encouragement on the family front, where the musical choices were severely limited. Her parents announced, "We don't want you listening to any of that wild, rock and roll." At first, instead of getting much-needed approval, little Debbie got scorn and shame. Nonetheless, she loved to sing roles from the great musicals such as My Fair Lady and the Sound of Music.
Eventually, when her talent was becoming very obvious, and she was winning awards in school, Debbie finally got some encouragement from her parents, who looked for voice teachers for her. This led her to some kind mentors.
One of the most touching scenes revolves around the "Crystal Cathedral" in Orange County, California. The pastor's wife was an avid opera fan, and had created a music scholarship. She auditioned for, and won that scholarship, and she briefly studied voice with a teacher at that church.
At the Crystal Cathedral, Debbie got just the encouragement she needed, after singing to a teacher there: "Listen to me. Please. You REALLY have talent. Your voice is a gift and you've got to do something with it." This prompting led Debbie to her most inspirational teacher, Jane, who became "the most influential voice teacher in my life... she'd also become my dearest friend and biggest supporter and encourager."
CALL ME DEBBIE is a bittersweet story, starting with the author's childhood, and covering her entire career in opera. Ms Voigt really bares her soul in this story, explaining her lifelong struggle with weight, as well as her difficulties with alcoholism. The author bravely recounts some of these sad experiences, including stays in a rehab center, as well as AA meetings.
√ All in all, CALL ME DEBBIE is a fascinating look at the life of one of opera's most talented performers. It is a tale of small beginnings with big problems. The author had to overcome a ton of issues. Recommend!
For another good biography of an opera singer, check out Jerome Hines' book.
That was the voice that the author heard, whilst still a young girl in 1974, sitting in bed. These words, apparently a message from God, were "powerful enough to put me onto the path I would follow from that moment onward." Indeed, starting from such modest beginnings, that little girl went on to become a great opera singer, starring in many of the most famous operas in history, and performing on some of the greatest stages on earth.
It was not at all an easy route for young Debbie. There wasn't much encouragement on the family front, where the musical choices were severely limited. Her parents announced, "We don't want you listening to any of that wild, rock and roll." At first, instead of getting much-needed approval, little Debbie got scorn and shame. Nonetheless, she loved to sing roles from the great musicals such as My Fair Lady and the Sound of Music.
Eventually, when her talent was becoming very obvious, and she was winning awards in school, Debbie finally got some encouragement from her parents, who looked for voice teachers for her. This led her to some kind mentors.
One of the most touching scenes revolves around the "Crystal Cathedral" in Orange County, California. The pastor's wife was an avid opera fan, and had created a music scholarship. She auditioned for, and won that scholarship, and she briefly studied voice with a teacher at that church.
At the Crystal Cathedral, Debbie got just the encouragement she needed, after singing to a teacher there: "Listen to me. Please. You REALLY have talent. Your voice is a gift and you've got to do something with it." This prompting led Debbie to her most inspirational teacher, Jane, who became "the most influential voice teacher in my life... she'd also become my dearest friend and biggest supporter and encourager."
CALL ME DEBBIE is a bittersweet story, starting with the author's childhood, and covering her entire career in opera. Ms Voigt really bares her soul in this story, explaining her lifelong struggle with weight, as well as her difficulties with alcoholism. The author bravely recounts some of these sad experiences, including stays in a rehab center, as well as AA meetings.
√ All in all, CALL ME DEBBIE is a fascinating look at the life of one of opera's most talented performers. It is a tale of small beginnings with big problems. The author had to overcome a ton of issues. Recommend!
For another good biography of an opera singer, check out Jerome Hines' book.
March 31, 2015
When I heard Deborah Voigt being interviewed on NPR about this book, it piqued my curiosity. I like a good memoir, and my daughter is pursuing a career in opera. Little did I expect the book to be so hard to put down! At times it was like observing a car wreck at the side of the road - you feel like you shouldn't be looking, but just can't resist. So much of Ms. Voigt's life and career was like a car wreck (eating disorder and weight issues, alcoholism, misplaced love...), but she somehow kept her career afloat despite these issues and managed to finally break free of her demons and find happiness and peace within herself. It's an inspiring story, and she really does come across as very "down to earth". The timeline was a bit hard to follow in places, but I really enjoyed the peek behind-the-scenes at rehearsals and performances with some very big names in the opera world. It's a quick read, and an entertaining and inspiring one!
March 23, 2015
This memoir is as honest and forthcoming as any I've read. Deborah Voigt is known as much for her weight struggles as for her magnificent voice, most recently as Brunnhilde in Wagner's Ring Cycle. She has indeed struggled with addictions to alcohol, food, and the wrong men, but she's also created a career any aspiring singer would only dream about. Despite her travails, she describes a path to operatic heights fascinating in its details. I finished with a far better understanding of the work required.
I also admire her willingness to lay herself bare. In the process, she demonstrates that the life behind the image is never quite what we expect. More importantly (as this is not a moralistic treatise), she shows herself to be both deeply flawed but marvelously human. Turns out she's not much of a diva after all, despite a voice she says comes from God. Also turns out she can write quite well. I gobbled this up.
I also admire her willingness to lay herself bare. In the process, she demonstrates that the life behind the image is never quite what we expect. More importantly (as this is not a moralistic treatise), she shows herself to be both deeply flawed but marvelously human. Turns out she's not much of a diva after all, despite a voice she says comes from God. Also turns out she can write quite well. I gobbled this up.
May 12, 2018
I am not an expert on opera in any way, but I was intrigued when I heard Deborah Voight being interviewed on NPR about this book. She sounded like someone I wanted to know. So when I saw this on the library shelf, I decided it was time to read it. She covers her challenging childhood, her early career, and what happened after she became successful, including the infamous time she was replaced in an opera at London's Royal Opera House because of her weight. She struggled with addictions and unhealthy eating, along with the challenges of being successful in her career but not in her relationships. She seemed very honest about all this. The most interesting parts to me were the chapters about how exactly someone becomes a major opera star. This reminded me a bit of Misty Copeland's memoir.
March 31, 2015
Ever since I saw a Christmas concert starring Deborah Voigt with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I've been interested in her life. She's an amazing soprano and a well-known opera star, yet I didn't know much about her until recently. This book (which just caught my eye at the library last week) is very fast and easy reading, as it tells about Ms. Voigt's life--her struggles with low self-esteem, addictions to food, alcohol, and men who aren't good for her. She's honest, funny, and very real about herself, which makes this an engaging biography. Oh, yes, there are some wonderful stories about her opera career!
March 31, 2016
I'm a long-time opera fan, and "Call Me Debbie" is one of the more honest singer autobiographies I've read. While achieving international stardom, Deborah Voigt faced severe personal challenges: compulsive over-eating, alcoholism, relationships with unstable and abusive men. She discusses her training and career highlights but spends much of the book analyzing the issues that led to all of her problems and how she finally entered rehab and learned to cope--and to like herself. Voigt writes matter-of-factly and with humor, and avoids a "woe-is-me" tone, which is refreshing. An excellent read for both music-lovers and those dealing with low self-esteem.
April 29, 2015
An autobiography of an international opera sensation...who has somehow managed to survive. A dysfunctional family that included an abusive father, a litany of her addictions including fire and brimstone religion, alcoholism, sex, experiments with drugs, and food. Endless rehab stints. And...very bad taste in men! Appalling taste in men. But a work ethic as to her voice, a determination to pick herself up and start all over again, and now a down to earth diva who now has hopefully tamed her demons. You root for Debbie! And thank goodness for AA!
August 27, 2015
I chose this book because I wanted to know more about the background of famous opera singer Deborah Voigt. I really had no idea how much I was going to learn about her emotionally troubled childhood and the addictions (to food, alcohol, and men) that were her way of coping with her lack of self-esteem and emotional stability. What a brave woman to expose her flaws in order to help others who might be experiencing similar addictions. Glad to know that she has finally learned how to be happy inside herself.
Read
August 27, 2016the subtitle tells you: she holds nothing back. talks freely about her childhood in a strict southern baptist family, for whom the worst sin was pride--like being proud of having a fabulous voice. Talks about the famous "little black dress" contretemps with Covent Garden Opera--turns out she was the one who told the press about this. Talks about her eating addition, the cross-addiction to alcohol that began after she had bariatric surgery. Even talks about the no-good, worthless men she always seems to be attracted to.
Opera lovers, get this one. it's a fast fun read.
Opera lovers, get this one. it's a fast fun read.
April 4, 2015
Deborah Voigt has one helluva life story to tell and does so with incredible candor and self-effacement. It is a story of emotional abandonment, family-of-origin issues, addiction, size discrimination, self-destructive behavior, promiscuity, self-recrimination, and rebirth. See the complete Operatoonity.com review here:
http://operatoonity.com/2015/04/04/so...
http://operatoonity.com/2015/04/04/so...
March 17, 2015
Worth a read, certainly, but as a sister dramatic voice, I really would've liked hearing more about her technique and vocal development. Considering everything she's been through (and SANG through!), and how young she was when she captured the notice of some very influential people, it almost seems like she was blessed with natural technique--obviously not entirely true, but I would've liked more details!
May 3, 2015
Its always a pleasure to find a good biography and this one is well written and makes for a great read. Whether you are a fan of opera or looking for a good story that makes you feel a part of someone else's journey, I highly recommend this book. Ms. Voigt is a wonderfully talented singer and she is also an interesting, down to earth person indeed telling her story about battling addiction and finding strength.
June 1, 2015
The no-holds barred account of the rise and sustainment of dramatic soprano Deborah Voigt. She tells it like it is and spares no detail of her dragons and demons. Her dramatic weight-loss is not the end. It's not the beginning. It's one of the middles, albeit an important one. She still had miles to go and she went the distance. You can't help cheering for Debbie (her birth name) as you learn that success is more than we make it out to be,
February 5, 2015
Being a big fan of Ms. Voigt as an artist is what prompted me to pick up the book, but her honesty and ability to describe patterns in her life is what made it impossible to put down. Operatic anecdotes are fun (I'm still a fan of Jessye Norman, too!), and this triumphant tale is nothing short of inspiring.
February 23, 2015
Debbie writes a candid memoir about her life to this point, describing the many hurdles she has faced, including severe weight issues, and alcoholism, and how she has overcome them. She also talks about her gift (her amazing voice), and her spirituality.
She holds nothing back, even to make herself look better, which makes for an honest accounting of her life.
She holds nothing back, even to make herself look better, which makes for an honest accounting of her life.
December 31, 2015
A competent, chronological account of the events of her life. Typical drama associated with many performers: cold, distant or absent father, series of cold, distant, absent men, multiple addictions, etc., etc. One thing she is very good at is communicating a sense of what it feels like to command the stage in a satisfying performance.
May 15, 2016
I was prejudiced in favor of the book before I started reading it as I really like Deborah Voigt. I love her gorgeous full voice, her acting ability and her wonderful ability to interview other stars on the run behind the curtains at the Met. That being said, I think she did a decent job revealing her tumultuous life, flaws and all.
February 13, 2015
I am an opera newbie, but Voigt has more than once enchanted me. This tell-all memoir did not particularly endear her to me, but I admit the book was a fast and fascinating read. And I'm still a fan.
February 25, 2015
Deborah Voigt is an amazing dramatic soprano with glints of gold in her voice. Her no--holds-barred memoir reveals the incredible obstacles she overcame to make her career. Moreover, it describes her battle with various addictions. Her honesty in this book is palpable and refreshing.
April 19, 2015
Wow, what a raw open book about her life and her various addictions. Was not expecting that. Takes guts to put your demons out like that, but then I would think it also takes guts to stand up in front of others and sing as she does.
November 10, 2016
I want to go to the opera now!
A great book about what it's like singing in the opera. But more than that, it's a great book about life and love and everyday normal stuff but told with the mastery of a seasoned storyteller.
A great book about what it's like singing in the opera. But more than that, it's a great book about life and love and everyday normal stuff but told with the mastery of a seasoned storyteller.
February 1, 2015
Call her amazing
I love Debbie ever since I saw her portray Brunhilde on stage. An amazing person on off stage. Brava to my favourite diva.
I love Debbie ever since I saw her portray Brunhilde on stage. An amazing person on off stage. Brava to my favourite diva.
February 15, 2015
Opera dirt is the best dirt! Get past the chunk about her childhood and you'll find the good stuff. Wish there were more behind-the-curtain anecdotes...
June 30, 2015
A candid autobiography and it was hard to put down.
July 23, 2015
Really loved this book. So much more than just a memoir about certain engagements and singing, etc, but still had some fun back stage stories. Debbie Voigt is my new hero.
October 6, 2015
Down-to-earth story of Deborah's life, loves and career. Knowing all that she has overcome makes me love her even more.
February 7, 2016
WOW! I had no idea what she was going through when I saw this awesome soprano at Lyric Opera of Chicago singing Salome and Girl of the Golden West.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews