Quarter notes

HOUSE MUSIC ALL LIFE LONG Tucker's devotion to her world runs deep.

If you're a fan of traditional NYC house music—the R&B-tinged kind, with plenty of uplifting lyrics along with the requisite thump-thump-thump—then you're also a fan of Barbara Tucker, whether you know it or not. The talented performer has given full voice to some of house's most sublime moments, like 1994's "Beautiful People," that same year's "Get Lifted" and 2005's "Most Precious Love," all while serving as one of the sound's most tireless cheerleaders. On Thursday 19, Tucker—who's also an actor, dancer and choreographer of note—will be celebrating 25 years in the biz with a big blowout at Webster Hall featuring David Morales, Louie Vega and Tony Humphries on the decks.

Twenty-five years—did you start when you were five? You look so young.

Ha! I just tell people that house music is the fountain of youth. You just have to get into it and be the youth that is house. If I'm in a club, I'm not one of those people standing there with a cocktail in my hand—I'm enjoying the music and the moment.

So what constitutes your start in the business?

I was one of the background singers and dancers for Strafe, who put out "Set It Off" back in 1984. The next year, we recorded the female version as Harlequin 4. I'll never forget—that was in December of '85 when we recorded that, and we could look out the window and it was snowing, and it was so wonderful to be seeing that while we were singing "set-set-set-set it off!"

Other than some of house's biggest DJs, what else do you have lined up for the party?

Martha Wash is a blessing, and she'll be up there singing "Beautiful People." Michelle Weeks will be doing "Deep Inside" into "I Get Lifted," just jamming, takin' us to church. Kathy Brown—did you know she's the cousin of [acclaimed gospel singer] Shirley Caesar?—and Darryl D'Bonneau are going to do "Stop Playing with My Mind." I mean, I can hardly believe they're really all gonna be there.

Well, you have been one of house's top vocalists for a long time.

And that's why they call me the Queen of House! But it's more than that. I may not have the most No. 1s or the greatest voice, but I've been consistently out there as an activist for the music. I'm all over the world, preaching about house music and teaching about house music. So it's not just about being a singer with a fierce wig.

You must get frustrated when you walk into a club and the DJ is playing all instrumental house.

I don't get frustrated—I just get on the mike and say, "Now y'all ready for some vocals!"

Barbara Tucker: 25 Years in House is at Webster Hall Thu 19.

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