I've watched my peers get better with age and hoped that would happen with me.

Really important issues are getting lost, so I can say I'm glad to be a citizen of the planet and do my part.

It is still a surprise when people tell me that I've had an influence on them, particularly when it's someone I really respect.

Some people are caricatures of themselves, and some people keep people coming back and keep themselves growing. Otherwise, the fans would get bored.

Jazz and blues fests are everywhere now, and Americana is going strong on college radio. What I'm hearing is an appreciation of real music.

Nobody went out to pasture, and a lot of people are doing their best work. Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Sting are at the top of their game. I mean, Tony Bennett is the coolest guy I ever met! We have to figure out how to break out of this age ghetto.

Maybe the idea of me is more powerful than I perceive myself being.