Interview: Kitoto Von Hebb on Bobby Hebb’s Legacy, “Sunny,” and the Oscar Viewing Dinner

 

• We are so happy to have you with us. With this Oscar Viewing Dinner happening March 15 at the Sofitel in Beverly Hills, and with names like Eric Roberts being honored during the evening, how are you feeling heading into such a star-filled event?

           Excited, Humbled, and grateful.

• This is more than just an Oscar watch party. It brings together red-carpet glamour, celebrity guests, media, fashion, and live tribute performances. What stood out to you most about this event when you first heard what it was going to be?

My friend Beata J. Storey is the Designer for the event. I thought of her, and how happy I was for her, and how in awe I was that she wanted to honor my dad this way.

• Your father Bobby Hebb gave the world “Sunny,” and now that song is being spotlighted during Oscar weekend in Beverly Hills. What does that mean to you personally?

It’s exactly why he wrote this song. It comes at a time when the country needs reassurance. He wrote this song to make people happy in cloudy days.

• So many people know the name Bobby Hebb, but for our listeners, tell us about you too. Who is Kitoto Von Hebb, and what part of your own heart do you bring into a moment like this?

Well, I’m a heart centered empath, who loves spirituality, and loves to help people in need. I’m a singer and song writer, though I only dabble in those two, and I’m a children’s author. I wrote            a book about my Dad. I changed my last name to Love, because Dr. Emoto studies showed that water holds memory and changes with our words. To be able to honor my dad in this way is                  deeply meaningful to me. His legacy lives on in the people who love him and his music. I also changed my first name to Mary, which means “beloved”, and it’s a family name.

• This after-party runway experience by Beatta J Collection sounds like it is going to be very emotional and cinematic. How do you think fashion, music, and storytelling help audiences connect with your father’s music in a new way?

Beata is so, so talented. She’s extremely creative as well. This was her idea, and it’s beautiful. The models will be fabulous walking down the runway looking fabulous in her collection, and Sunny will just be the icing on the cake afterwards.

• You performed “Sunny” at the Apollo Theater in 2014, which is such a legendary place in music history. When you look back on that performance, what does that memory still mean to you today?

It was magical. I was backstage rubbing the tree stump and I thought “This is where The New Kids on the Block played (I was a huge fan). This is where the Jackson 5 played, and the Supremes, And I was backstage with Mary Wilson. It was a beautiful evening. They gave me a standing ovation. I couldn’t believe it!

• At that Apollo performance, you were part of a lineup that included names like Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Barbara Harris of The Toys, and members of The Cookies. Did being part of such a historic musical atmosphere change the way you felt about carrying your father’s legacy?

Yes. Even though everyone was so kind and approachable, I was so nervous I just felt like I didn’t belong, until they gave me a standing ovation. The audience was so, so kind. To remember my Dad in a such a way was really beautiful.

• Your father is sometimes remembered only for “Sunny,” but his career was much deeper than that. When you are at events like this one, what do you most want people to understand about Bobby Hebb beyond the one song?

Along with being an extremely talented musician, he was a really wonderful man. He played the guitar, the clarinet, the obo, the bass, the trumpet, the flute, the piano, the saxophone, the drums, the trumbone, etc. The list goes on and on. He started his career playing the spoons! At 3 yrs young! He was an amazing man.

• There is such a difference between being known as someone’s daughter and becoming a voice who actively carries that legacy forward. How have you found your own identity within all of this?

My book. It’s about me and my Dad. It’s my hope that it inspires divorced family’s everywhere to have hope in the positive impact weekly visits can make in the lives of a family, if you are consistent.

• With Eric Roberts being honored at the event, and so much Hollywood energy in the room, does it feel meaningful to you that your father’s music is being celebrated in a setting that brings together film, television, fashion, and music all at once?

It’s a huge honor to be there, and to represent my Dad. To answer your question, yes, Daddy was good at everything he set his mind to. In the 70’s he would even be on the runway, lol.

• We have seen this event described as a cultural moment, not just a traditional fashion show or after-party. What do you hope people feel when they hear “Sunny” in that kind of atmosphere?

I hope that they feel it as the warm soft hug full of sunshine it was meant to be.

• You have worked to help keep Bobby Hebb’s legacy alive over the years. What has been the most beautiful part of that journey for you, and what has been the hardest?

The most beautiful was finding out how many lives my Daddy touched in a loving way. It was finding out how many people adore him. It has been hearing stories about him, from people who knew him. The hardest part is that he is no longer with us, and I can’t share these moments with him.

• If someone comes to this event because they know Eric Roberts, or because they follow Oscar-night celebrity culture, what do you hope they walk away learning about Bobby Hebb and your family’s musical story?

Love. Like most artists, My Dad’s work was a labor of love, as I’m sure everyone who’s going to be there. Our family too!

• When people hear your name connected to your father’s songs, what do you hope they hear in your voice and your spirit?

Love, and admiration for my Dad.

• This event also includes artists like Derek Day and Kasia Swiostek as part of the after-party experience. What excites you most about being part of such a varied and creative lineup?

Meeting some new and very talented people.

• If your father could see this tribute now, Beverly Hills, Oscar night, red carpet, live performances, and “Sunny” still shining, what do you think he would say?

“It’s beautiful. Just beautiful man.”

• Before we wrap up, what would you like to say to the fans who have loved Bobby Hebb’s music for years, and to the newer audience that may be discovering both his legacy and your story through this event

I and my Dad’s side of the family thank you so much. Your love and kindness over the years is why we can have days that we walk into a store and Sunny is on. After his passing, it’s especially meaningful to our family. Thank you. For the new audiences I say “Thank you for honoring my dad”. He wanted to cheer you up.

Thank you for letting him.

 

UNFORGETTABLE OSCAR VIEWING DINNER & EXCLUSIVE AFTER PARTY

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Los Angeles, CA

Sunday, Mar 15 from 2 pm to 11 pm

Kitoto’s performances are on on the Boston Rock & Roll Anthology Chapter #21, now in release: http://joeviglione.com/?p=1675   

BTD Interview with Kitoto Sunshine Love