WOMEN’S WORK
Diana Krall on why life is about giving back as much as you get.
“Women need other women,” says jazz musician Diana Krall while on a break during her Wallflower World Tour. (Her latest album of the same name was released earlier this year.) “[We] must find the strength and courage to tackle the problems and challenges that women are uniquely given to bear.” This year marks the Canadian singer’s 22nd year in the music industry, and she just came out with her 15th album (which debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard 200). To celebrate, Krall has partnered with jeweller De Beers to shine a light on the Women for Women organization (which helps women on the margins learn basic-yet-transferable skills that can transform their lives in a very real way). Here, the awardwinning songstress talks about why she’s giving back and, after 20 years of making music, what inspires her to keep going.
On who her biggest inspiration is...
“It may seem obvious to say this, but the way my mother retained her humour and delight in life even when she faced the greatest adversities remains my inspiration.”
On what is currently inspiring her...
“Truly, the joys and the sorrows of life. It sounds grandiose, but it’s true. The loss of my father has been very difficult for me, but in the next instant I have the intense joy of seeing my sons grow into such wonderful young boys.” On when she was humbled this year... “I learned about Women for Women and the De Beers campaign through my friend Mary McCartney. I was humbled while reading all of the women’s stories. Compared to these stories, it felt like a very small thing to lend my name and face to the campaign.” On why “women’s work” is the best work... “There is an undeniable order or authority in some societies that needs to be balanced, even challenged, by the counsel and action of women.” On where she creates... “At the piano each night, in the kitchen at suppertime, when I’m home with my family and, of course, when the sun goes down.” On how she keeps creating... “By understanding and appreciating the stories and lessons of the past, I know that I can move forward with confidence.”