The Miss Gloria Hour with Rick Henry Christopher

Running Late

“Debbie, Paolo will be here any minute. I’m running late. Can you help me pack my bag?”

“Oh yes, I’ll be right there!”

Debbie ran into Gloria’s room with half her hair in curlers.

“What’s up with your hair, Debbie? It looks like a pack of rats got to it.”

Debbie struck a pose. “I packed your bag last night. It’s by the front door with your umbrella and coat.”

“Oh, Debbie, you’re too good. Now go do something with that mess.”

At that moment Paolo arrived and honked the limousine horn. Debbie took off running to finish her hair.

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The Limo Ride

“Should I start calling you a Jezebel?” Gloria teased as Debbie applied her makeup in the limo. “You’re a little heavy on the rouge. Which snake charmer are you trying to impress this week?”

“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, Gloria.”

“Aha, it’s Pooper, isn’t it?”

“No!” Debbie blurted, turning away.

Gloria began chanting, “Debbie Pooper! Debbie Pooper! Pooper! Pooper! Deb!”

“Enough with that silly song, Gloria. Yes, I have a thing for Jason. He’s a nice man and a good kisser.”

“Kisser? You’ve kissed him?”

Debbie blushed. “Once, backstage near the soda machine. I was thirsty and he…”

“…and his tongue was your drink!”

“Gloria!!!,” Debbie exclaimed her face reddened with embarrassment.

“I hate to interrupt your intellectual conversation,” Paolo said, “but we’re here now.”

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Last Minute Changes

“Hurry, hurry.” Trixie waited outside the studio. “Taylor Swift canceled. She had a last-minute engagement. But we got someone else.”

“Who?”

“Rick Henry Christopher.”

“Who? What kind of hack is he?”

“He’s a creator from Orange County. Come on, we’re running late.”

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Makeup, Lights, Action

Gloria was rushed into makeup, where Glossy quickly applied her cosmetics. Gloria asked for a more glamorous look than usual. Glossy added sparkle with a sequined sweater to match her new vibe.

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The Show

Rafael started the countdown, with cameras pointed at Gloria.

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Action!”

“Good evening, folks. You know, the brain’s a wild little beast. One minute it’s whispering, ‘You’re not good enough,’ and like a fool, I believe it. Next, it’s screaming, ‘Dye your hair green and buy Dockers.’

So I pushed back. I asked, ‘Why green?’ And wouldn’t you know, my brain short-circuits and goes silent—then starts looping that Kermit the Frog song, It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green. I hate that song.

But as it spun around like a broken record, I thought… green’s kind of brilliant. It blends in, sure, but it’s everywhere, oceans, forests, moss on forgotten stones. Green is amazing.

So I dyed my hair green.

Jason Pooper flipped. He said it violated my contract, no changes to my look without his approval. So I dyed it back to silver. But I kept a few strands. Just a few.

Because like the color green, I’m more than good enough. I am amazing.”

The audience cheered.

“Taylor Swift was supposed to be our guest tonight, but she canceled last minute. Instead, our special guest is someone I’ve never heard of, Rick Henry Christopher. He sounds kind of boring to me, but I’m still getting paid, so I guess I’ll ride this one out.”

The audience laughed at Gloria’s dry humor.

“Let’s have a round of applause for Rick Henry Christopher.”

The applause was polite but hesitant.

“Make yourself comfortable, Rick. Come have a seat.”

“Well, well, you’re not the most handsome man I’ve ever worked with, but you’ll do in a pinch.”

“Well, Gloria, thank you for the compliment, or was that an insult?”

“Maybe a little of both.”

“You know, Gloria, you’re one of Hollywood’s most sought-after women. But you’re not really my type. You’re a bit old for me, but you still have a charm all your own.”

“Ah, an attempt to disarm my dark humor. I like it. You’ve gained a few points. Suddenly I feel attracted to you.”

“Thank you, Gloria. Do you want to lay down?”

“I’m sure we can find a couch backstage.”

“Oh, Gloria, you misunderstood me. I meant getting your meds and making sure you’re tucked in for a good night’s sleep. I’m a caregiver, I know how to look after elderly people like you.”

“I did not see that one coming. I think I’ve met my match on the dry humor spectrum. Let’s get on with our conversation. You have three first names. Kind of the opposite of Madonna or Cher.”

“My name’s Rick Henry. But after my brother died in 2021, I added his name. He was my best friend. I miss him dearly.”

With tears in her eyes, Gloria said, “I’m so sorry, Rick. It’s tough losing someone you love.”

“Yes, you never really get over it.”

“I’ve been told you’re a creator.”

“Yes, I write poems and short stories for a platform called Vocal Media. It has a strong sense of community and friendship. But lately, my main focus has been producing digital music using AI tools.”

“AI? Don’t take this wrong, Rick, but I hate AI. It’s fake and it scares me, it’s taking people’s jobs.”

“No offense taken, Gloria. I get it. People are often fearful of new technology. Depending on who’s using it, AI is either an art, or just a shortcut.”

“How so?”

“Well, I could just type prompts like ‘country, male vocal, slide guitar, harmonica, breakup song’ and let AI do the rest. But that’s cheating. It wouldn’t be my song.”

“I agree with you there.”

“I start by writing my own lyrics, shaped by the kind of song I’m making. My new album, Orbit Radiate Pulse, is EDM, so the lyrics are simple, catchy, and repetitious.”

“Interesting.”

“Then I sculpt the lead vocal. I shape the tone, pitch, range, even breaths. I produce in 30-second intervals, piece by piece. In I Love You, I added a ticking clock at 3:45 with the lyric ‘love is time.’

In another segment, I might add guitar, and decide which type of guitar sound: fuzz, clean, crunchy, warm, or bright. I decide on strumming, plucking, or picking. Maybe a slide guitar or 12-string. Sometimes a single voice or sometimes I stack vocals like a mini choir. I put time, thought, and effort into every song.”

“Wow, that’s a lot of work. I can see how AI, in the right hands, can be art. You’ve convinced me.”

“You’re welcome, Gloria.”

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I Love You

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“What’s your favorite song from the album?”

“Sunshine. It’s the most complex of the 33 songs I’ve released. I’m proud of the call-and-response vocals, the multilayered harmonies, and trippy spacey sound effects. It’s a bright, sunny dance track that blends emotion with electronics.”

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Sunshine

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“Which one do you feel has the most hit potential, Rick?”

“Summer Night Dreams. The beat is consistent and propulsive, with catchy lines like ‘blue velvet sky’ and a call to dance. It’s perfect for clubs worldwide.”

“Around the world, huh? Ambitious.”

“Yes, I am.”

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Summer Night Dreams

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“Which song is the most unique?”

“Siren. It tells the tale of the ocean’s dark depths and the sweet, dangerous mermaids whose kisses are poison. No sailor has survived.”

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Siren

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“Which song gets the crowd moving most?”

“I’d like to think all of them do, but Diagram of Dance stands out. It’s quirky, clever, and the beat never lets up.”

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Diagram of Dance

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“What made you choose Into Thee I Fall to close the album?”

“It’s a spiritual song that feels good. I wanted to end on a beautiful, positive note.”

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Into Thee I Fall

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“Well, that was wonderful, Rick. When I heard you’d be my guest, I thought, ‘Who is this hack? Who’s this has-been?’ But I must say, I really enjoyed this smart and informative conversation. I’m a fan. I’ll be listening to your new album on Spotify every day. I’m gonna put it on repeat.”

“Thank you, Gloria. And despite the age difference, I might just take you out on a date. Do you like seafood?”

“Oh yes! But before you go fishing for compliments, I’ve gotta say, Rick… maybe AI isn’t so scary after all. Maybe it’s just mysterious, like you.”

The audience chuckled.

“Now, about that seafood; if I see food, I eat it!”

The crowd burst into laughter.

The audience chuckled as Gloria gave Rick a playful look. “All right, I admit it, you made me see things a little differently.”

Rick grinned. “I’ll take that as a win.”

“That’s it for tonight, folks. Remember, Orbit Radiate Pulse by Rick Henry Christopher is available on all major streaming and video sites, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube.”

Spotify:

YouTube:

Tidal:

Apple Music:

Amazon Music:

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Behind the Album

This album is inspired by my good friend Jenni Lonmon, lead singer of the South African duo Little Sister.

A special thanks to my dear friend/cousin Tiffany Gordon for helping me with input on the songs and album cover image. Plus many hours of conversation and encouragement.

Marie Wilson for helping me realize the hit potential of “Summer Night Dreams.”

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With much Love and Gratitude, RHC ❤️