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.

I need my career. That's what validates me.

I think there's no sacrifice too great for family, whether it's career, singing, whatever.

I'd love to be the political voice of my generation, but that's not my gift.

Time has nothing to do with the gifts that the gods give you; it's what you do.

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

When you're away for a long time, tastes change, fans move on. You hate to think about it, but it's an ugly fact of life.