I know people I feel are extremely talented, but I don’t know that I’ve ever heard any geniuses.

If you disrespect everybody that you run into, how in the world do you think everybody's supposed to respect you?

I saw the Supremes when they were still singing in little black skirts and white blouses.

...the people at large absolutely gave James Brown respect. He was an original like a Rembrandt or a Picasso

It's so glamorous, you have to see it." (describing the $92 million Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

Don't say Aretha is making a comeback, because I've never been away!

I've been around long enough for people to know who I am and what my contributions are. They know me as more than just an artist. I think they know me as a woman as well.