Interview with PETER CETERA

Peter Cetera, known for producing several number one hits during his solo career, including Glory of Love and The Next Time I Fall, came through the double doors of the Hyatt Regency hotel, Trinidad, into a waterfront verandah wearing a signature striped jacket and khakis. This was his first interview since his arrival the night before; he confessed that he had not seen much of the island at all and wished that the weather would clear so he could get some sunshine. We shook hands and settled into a comfortable conversation:

Aliyyah: You’re known for producing some very passionate love songs, tell me, what’s the inspiration behind these songs?

Peter: I write and sing what I feel. I’m not a very good speaker so I express myself through music.

Aliyyah: I’ve always wanted to ask you who the woman is in the song "One Good Woman"?

Peter: Well actually that song was written for a movie, not anyone in particular. Right now my daughters are the good women in my life!

Aliyyah: Which movie was that?

Peter: It was actually a Tom Hanks movie called ‘Big’, but the deal went bad and it never came out for the movie.

Aliyyah: Tell us some more about your daughters...

Peter: My elder daughter is 24 years old, and an aspiring musician, the younger is only 11.

Aliyyah: Was the song "Daddy’s Girl" written about them?

Peter: Yes it was actually, it’s all about children growing up.

Aliyyah: You’re known first and foremost for being the lead singer and songwriter for the band "Chicago". Why did you leave this band?

Peter: It was like a bad marriage, just wasn’t working out. There were some conflicts in the band and we didn’t see eye to eye.

Aliyyah: Yes, I’ve been warned that you don’t like to speak of Chicago. What about going solo? Did you know that you were going to make it big on your own?

Peter: No, I didn’t. You can never know, you can just hope.

Aliyyah: How did you feel when "Glory of Love" made it big?

Peter: I had just hoped it would.

Aliyyah: Each person has certain philosophies in life that guide how they interact within it, what are some of yours?

Peter: I believe in treating people the way you would like to be treated, and I also prefer to be left alone until I choose to participate.

Aliyyah: Where would you say is your ‘happy’ place?

Peter: That would definitely be my home in Idaho.

Aliyyah: So how do you like the Caribbean thus far?

Peter: Well I’ve been to Nevis and a couple of the islands, but not to Trinidad. I have not seen much of Trinidad as I came in late last night. But I’ve heard that I have to try hot sauce and curry here!

Aliyyah: Definitely! What would you say is your favorite food?

Peter: (laughs) I love to eat! I don’t really have a favorite but I love to eat almost anything…if I had to choose a favorite, I’d say chicken.

- Aliyyah Eniath