I don't let people use me. That's why I like a small number of people in my life. The more people in my life, the more complex it becomes, so I just try to keep it at a minimum.

I used to sing at funeral homes for families that didn't have a vocalist. I didn't get paid. I needed to sing.

My father worked on assembly lines in Detroit while I was growing up. Every day, I watched him do what he needed to do to support the family. But he told me, 'Life is short. Do what you want to do.'

I say if it's going to be done, let's do it. Let's not put it in the hands of fate. Let's not put it in the hands of someone who doesn't know me. I know me best. Then take a breath and go ahead.

I have as many pictures of my vocal cords as I do of my children. I have a great ear, nose and throat doctor, and we look at them - if there's some redness, maybe I'll take a little time off.

You leave home to seek your fortune and, when you get it, you go home and share it with your family.

If I could be doing anything, I'd be laying on the floor in my birthday suit eating junk food and watching something dumb on TV.