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

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.

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

I'm never tired of going to the studio. I enjoy recording and documenting everything and trying new things.

My heart is still there in gospel music. It never left . . . I'm gonna make a gospel record and tell Jesus I cannot bear these burdens alone.

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