A Two-Way Street
When Rebecca St. James needs guidance, she turns to her mentor—Christian music pioneer Evie Tornquist. But their relationship goes both ways, forming a rich mutual friendship.
by Russ Breimeier | posted 3/07/2005
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As one of today's most successful and beloved Christian artists, Rebecca St. James is no stranger to audiences. But some might have been surprised to learn that St. James, 27, quietly experienced burnout and fatigue a few years ago. When artists struggle, where do they turn for guidance and encouragement? In St. James' case, to someone like Evie Tornquist. A pioneering Christian pop artist from the 1970s, Evie—like Rebecca—rose to stardom as a teenager and faced many of the same struggles before retiring in 1981. So naturally, the 47-year-old wife and mom also makes a perfect mentor for St. James.
Tornquist was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in February 2005, with St. James on hand to present the honor. Christian Music Today was on the scene and had a chance to chat with both legendary ladies about mentoring and ministry, capturing a snapshot of their wisdom and friendship.
Rebecca St. James (right) with her close friend and mentor, Gospel Hall of Fame inductee Evie Tornquist.Photos by Katy Marshall Photography, courtesy of the Gospel Music Association.
Rebecca, how did you first come to know Evie?
Rebecca St. James Well, she actually knew me before I knew her! Because she held me when I was just a baby …
Evie Tornquist When she was about a year or two. I was in Sydney for a concert tour. Her dad and uncle had a band, and we were all performing together at the Sydney Opera House.
St. James So Evie was always a household name for me growing up. And my parents spoke highly of her from their experiences. [Rebecca's dad was a concert promoter in Australia.]
Later on in life, when we were doing my tours in America, Evie would visit our shows with her family when we came through Florida, as far back as '96 or '97 for the God album tour. And we got along well as kindred spirits with similar personalities, similar giftings, a love for people, and of course, a love for God and a desire to please him.
So how did you come into a mentoring relationship with her?
St. James About three years ago, I began to sense a need for a mentor. There are certain things within the music business—pressures of the platform that I face—that are unique for me. Family, friends, and other people in the industry can try to be there for me and understand, but because they haven't walked exactly where I'm walking, they can't completely relate to my situation.
So I started praying about that, and Evie came to mind. But I kept thinking, Oh, she probably doesn't have time for that. But God kept putting it on my heart for a couple of months, until I finally felt the need to go for it and call her about it.
As it turned out, she called my dad back the next day to say that she was in town and would love to meet with me. Now she's almost never in Nashville—she happened to be available because she was recording a Gaither video. It was such a miracle! We met up at the Opryland hotel …
Tornquist … and hardly slept that night, with all the talking. She even lost her wallet in the lake inside the hotel, so we went fishing for that. (laughing)
St. James (laughing) That's right! [Our relationship] has been so enriching to my life. I can't even begin to describe how beautiful it is to know that somebody really understands what I feel and the pressures I face—to pray with me and talk about all that with me because she's been there herself.
How often do you keep in touch?
St. James We talk to each other often, mostly over the phone and e-mail, but we do get to see each other maybe a couple of times a year.
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