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.

Politics are not my arena. Music 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.

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

...the people at large absolutely gave James Brown respect. He was an original like a Rembrandt or a Picasso

I saw the Supremes when they were still singing in little black skirts and white blouses.

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