To dad, with love

A. This is the first time that I’ve consciously sung country. My first introduction to country songs was through my dad, when I first started to sing when I was 5 or 6. Those were the songs that he sang to me. He grew up in the South and he loved country music. He was a good singer and a good piano player. It’s kind of nice to remember my dad by recording some of this music.

Q. I just finished reading John Waters’s new book, “Role Models,’’ and was surprised to see that you rank high as one of his idols. What was it like getting interviewed by him for the book?

A. I think I met John for the first time in Baltimore. He came to see me, and we just chatted. I’m a big fan of his, too. I think he mentioned to me that he was writing something. When he came out here [Southern California], we sat and talked for a while, and that was the end of it as far as I was concerned. And then he sent me a book. It was wonderful to know that someone as talented as he is has such good regard for my singing and for me as a person. It was a revelation.

Q. I don’t think I would have guessed that he’s a fan of yours, and you’re a fan of his.

A. You can’t imagine. When John came to the house, I thought: “What do you want to talk to me about?’’ But we had a wonderful time.

Q. One of your songs that always chokes me up is “What’ll I Do?’’ Are there any songs that have choked you up when you’re recording in the studio, or that still bring a tear to your eye?

A. Isn’t that funny that you mention “What’ll I Do?’’ Yesterday, I was looking for something to sing this weekend with the Pittsburgh Symphony. I wanted something just a little different. I listened to “What’ll I Do?’’ and thought it would be just wonderful. It was one of the first songs that my dad taught me. Every song I ever learned from my dad I’ve recorded. “What’ll I Do?’’ was always my favorite. I had a hard time singing it. It was on the third or fourth album that I recorded, and I was still finding my way, but that song is very special. I’m happy that you mentioned it.

Q. Do you find that it gets easier or more difficult over the years to give the audience an emotional experience?

A. Once you get into the frame of mind, or once you realize that people really want to hear you express yourself, then you do get a little bit more emotional. But mostly, you’re just happy to be singing, as I am.

Interview was condensed and edited.

Christopher Muther can be reached at cmuther@globe.com.

Correction: Because of a reporting error, an earlier version of this story gave an incorrect title for a John Waters book. It is “Role Models.’’