Baby Boomer Woman: Vicki Lynn King

by Anne Holmes on October 25, 2010

Welcome to NABBW member and singer Vicki Lynn King. Vicki recently released her third CD, an album of jazzy standards, titled I’ll Be Seeing You.” The album features 16 standards, like “I Only Have Eyes For You,” “What a Wonderful World,” “It Had To Be You” — and of course, the title track — “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Vicki’s sultry, bluesy voice does them justice, and we look forward to hearing more wonderful music from her soon. We predict you’ll enjoy the album — especially if you like to listen to music in which you can understand the lyrics — and even sing along if you feel like it! Meanwhile, she’s taken a few minutes from her busy life — she was packing for a cruise to the Greek Isles when we talked — to share a bit about her life…

Using one paragraph, tell us a bit about yourself?

Ill Be Seeing YouI hit 60 this past June and am loving life!   I have been a singer since the age of 3 and it has always been a huge part of my life.  I am a Registered Nurse, but have had many other occupations in my life as well…from horse trainer to insurance agent, to professional singer.  I plan to spend time in my semi-retirement writing and singing for people.  One of my greatest joys is touching people with my music!

Tell us about your family; married, divorced, children, grands, boomerangs or parents living with you, etc.

I am divorced and have 2 wonderful grown sons.  Both of my sons are married to lovely women and I have a 4 year old grandson!  They all live in Aurora, Colorado, so I travel out to see them about every 3 months.

What is your favorite childhood memory that is reminiscent of growing up in the 50s, 60s or 70s?

Singing along with Leslie Gore at a slumber party… “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to…”

What qualities do you have that speak of our generation of women?

I believe in integrity and loyalty.  I believe in being respectful of other people and being kind.  I think we are put on this earth to be of service and care for one another.

What inspires you?

The beauty of the ocean or a snow capped mountain inspire me.  My biggest inspiration is music that is filled with emotion.

What brings you the most pleasure in midlife?

Being able to spend time with my best friend and my children and grandson.  I love being with my extended family as well.  Of course, singing is one of my greatest pleasures.

Do you have any interesting hobbies?

I trained horses when I was younger.  I also loved to downhill ski.  I haven’t done either of those for a while.  Now I mostly love to sing, read, travel, ride bikes and camp.

Do you have a favorite book or movie? If so, tell us why it’s your favorite.

I love to read and have so many favorites.  I also love movies and it would be hard for me to pick out a favorite there too.

Suffice it to say that I enjoy movies and books about strong women and people overcoming great obstacles to become happy and successful.

Do you travel and if so, who are your favorite travel partners and where do you like to go?

I love to travel and my favorite traveling partner is my friend Yvonne.  We go to Mexico or somewhere warm every winter.

We are going on a cruise of the Greek Islands in October.  We have been to Ireland, Hawaii, and many other interesting places.

Do you practice preventive medicine? Please elaborate.

I take lots of vitamins and I believe they really help in keeping me healthy.  I walk 3-4 times per week to keep in shape.

What do you stress about?

I sometimes worry about my children, but I try to keep them in my prayers instead of worrying.  I find that surrounding people with fearful energy does not help them.

Is it important for you to retain your youthful looks, and if so, to what degree are you willing to go?

I do wish I could still look like I did when I was 35, but that’s not possible.  I do take care of my skin, using moisturizers, pounds of wrinkle cream, and sunscreen!

Have you re-invented yourself, and if so, how?

Yes!  I worked as a District and then Regional manager for Aflac for many years.  I decided a few years ago to get out of management and enjoy more of my life.  I now am enjoying a more relaxed and less stressful lifestyle. I still work with Aflac, but only part time.

I am spending time doing more of the things that I love.  It has been so fun to get back into the recording studio and record my latest album!  It is also good to be back singing for people again!

Do you plan to retire?

I can’t imagine totally retiring.  I want to continue working with insurance and continue singing and writing for as long as I can.

Are you doing anything to GO Green?

I recycle and use green light bulbs.  I have a pretty fuel efficient car.

Do you still have unfulfilled dreams, and are you doing anything to accomplish them?

One of my dreams is to write a book and I am currently half way through that book.  It has been great fun to write and I am excited to get it done.  I had my album project going at the same time, so I have two projects on the go.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life and why?

I think my mom had the biggest influence on my life.  She was very intelligent and resourceful and taught me to be resourceful as well.   I grew up trying to emulate my mom’s strength and initiative.

If you were to have a personal mission statement, what would it be? Feel free to be as serious or fun as you choose.

I believe that God gave each of us gifts to share with others.  I have been sharing my gifts of listening and caring and singing for people throughout my life.  I want to continue to be a good listener and I want to do whatever deeds I can to be a positive influence in the world.  Hopefully my music can have a positive and lasting impact upon others as well.

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