I'm the lady next door when I'm not on stage.

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

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

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 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.

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.

Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don't, it hurts even more.