I love producing, writing. I rarely write with other writers unless I have a real great respect for them. Like Burt Bacharach, or Carole Sager, or Stevie Wonder. Somebody like Smokey - like that. Otherwise, I choose to write alone.

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.

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

I think the hardest thing is losing weight. That's the hardest thing more than anything else.

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

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

Better friends than lovers. Sugar can't you see? You need you and I really need me.