Politics are not my arena. Music is.

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.

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.

Yes, I've always been fashion conscious.

I remember singing around the house to records that were playing. All kinds of music. And the great James Cleveland was often in our house, and I grew up with his sound as well.

Let's start with the church. As you know, it's my background, it's a natural setting for me and it's definitely my roots.

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