Parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home.

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.

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.

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.

I've always felt that rock & roll was very, very wholesome.

And I was booked once to go on 'Ed Sullivan' and I got bumped and ran out the back door crying.