Historically, in my generation, all of my heroes and heroines have had issues and problems. We all do.

I would make far more money if every song were my own, but I don't write to fill up the album with my songs.

I dont think being black has held me back at all. Being black makes you strong.

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.

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

It's impossible to write and produce a record when your parents are dying. I really tried, I really, really tried, but it just wouldn't come.

As soon as you get off stage, that's the most dangerous time for a singer to kiss people because your vocal chords are receptive to any kind of germ.