To have ego means to believe in your own strength. And to also be open to other people's views. It is to be open, not closed. So, yes, my ego is big, but it's also very small in some areas. My ego is responsible for my doing what I do - bad or good.

He (son Jason) doesn't see me as a (gay) icon, he sees me as his mother who touches his hair too much. No, I love being an icon to anybody. Equal rights, you know?

I was raised on the streets, in hot, steamy Brooklyn, with stifled air.

It's very often the artist who gives a voice to the voiceless by speaking up when no one else will.

It's not a date. We're just agreeing to eat at the same table.

It’s like an American tradition. A person gets successful and then he’s supposed to change for the worse. It’s silly.

I just don't like the idea of her singing my songs. Who the hell does she thinks she is? The world doesn't need another Streisand! (on Diana Ross)