March 14, 2005

He came to NYC and partnered with Klaus Nomi, sang with David Bowie, and befriended Andy Warhol. By the nineties Joey Arias traded his neon-haired performance art look in for that of cabaret singer. His vocals are mesmerizing as anyone who has seen him channel Billie Holiday can attest. Unwilling to remain in the underground Joey finally got his 15 minutes and more when he was tapped as the emcee of Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity. He is a downtown legend and a Vegas show girl all in one. Joey Arias answers my five questions:

What is your greatest source of inspiration?
Life in all forms!

What is the greatest album ever recorded?
There are too many, really! So I say music in general!....there are too many great periods!

What is the greatest book ever written?
The Joy of Cooking is my favorite book! I get full just reading it!

What is your most prized possession?
Andy Warhol's wigs.

What is the key to happiness?
Independence!