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

Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don't, it hurts even more.

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.

People really don't have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you. And just don't let that go to your head, whatever it is they give you.

If a song's about something I've experienced or that could've happened to me it's good. But if it's alien to me, I couldn't lend anything to it. Because that's what soul is all about.

Be your own artist, and always be confident in what youre doing. If youre not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.

I'm the lady next door when I'm not on stage.