Linda Clifford will be performing at Night of a Thousand Gowns on March 11 at the New York Marriott Marquis

Linda Clifford, former Miss New York State, actress and singer of R&B, jazz and house, will be performing at Night of a Thousand Gowns on March 11 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Known for such hits as “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “Runaway Love” and “I’m Yours,” Linda Clifford was born in New York and began her career singing on a local television station as a child. She has had a large following since the ‘70s and has worked over the years with artists such as Curtis Mayfield and Luther Vandross.

She is currently working on some new projects, which she was kind enough to tell Get Out! about when sharing some questions and answers.

What does being asked to perform at Night of a Thousand Gowns mean to you?

I’m thrilled and honored to have been invited to this incredible event. I love the idea of being so close to royalty at an event that has been celebrated for 30 years, each year more grand than the year before.

What do you have planned for the night?

My plan is to entertain with every ounce of my being and hope that all will have a fabulous time.

Is there something that stands out during your career that was either funny or very special to you?

Surely, standing next to Dick Clark as I am about to perform on American Bandstand for the first time, and him asking me for the most exciting thing that had happened so far in my career. OMG! I grew up watching that show, learning to dance from that show, learning music from that show, and listening to him talk to me every week! This was indeed the most exciting thing ever and a day I’ll never forget.

You have worked with many fabulous artists. Who did you enjoy working with the most?

There are so many fabulous people I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. I could never narrow it down to just one. I will name a few for you: Isaac Hayes, Luther Vandross, Rita Moreno, Shirley MacLaine, Teddy Pendergrass and Curtis Mayfield. Truly some amazing folks to spend time with.

After you received the title of Miss New York, you began acting. Why did you leave acting to concentrate on singing?

Singing has always been my first love! If I could sing in films, on Broadway, anywhere, I would be happy. I didn’t see the opportunity in film at that time that I saw in touring with a band, so I did what any girl would do. I kissed mommy and daddy goodbye and went on tour.

Are you currently working on any new projects at the moment?

New projects, funny you should ask! I am collecting songs for a new CD, rehearsing for an upcoming tour with a new show, which will feature the music of Miss Nancy Wilson, as well as songs from the Great American Songbook, and of course all of my own hits. It’s important to keep busy, and I love what I do!