Clark Terry is an American Master. I love to listen to him, particularly 'Mumbles.' I was so delighted when we received degrees together, along with Edward Kennedy, at the New England Conservatory in 1997.

Parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home.

Gospel goes with me wherever I go. Gospel is a constant with me.

Politics are not my arena. Music is.

I donate heavily to the church and various churches in the Detroit community and food banks.

I've always felt that rock & roll was very, very wholesome.

I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.