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

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.

Judy Garland is a singer with a capital S. And talk about soul. This woman was soul personified. Judy Garland is a class by herself.

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

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

R&B is not a fad; it's the truth.

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.