Being the Queen is not all about singing and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.

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.

And I've been hurt hurt bad. I might be just twenty-six, but I'm an old woman in disguise twenty-six goin'on sixty-five.

Soul is a constant. It's cultural. It's always going to be there, in different flavors and degrees.

It's so glamorous, you have to see it." (describing the $92 million Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

As a parent you try to maintain a certain amount of control and so you have this tug-of-war ... You have to learn when to let go. And that's not easy.

I love to sing. It's just a natural thing for me.