Don't say Aretha is making a comeback, because I've never been away!

Be your own artist, and always be confident in what youre doing. If youre not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.

I think the hardest thing is losing weight. That's the hardest thing more than anything else.

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.

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

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.

Falling out of love is like losing weight. It's a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.