My earliest influences were things I heard in my household.

I really just followed my musical instincts every step of my life.

I'm not a jazz singer.

I think the women - Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu - are doing new conceptual things and using their voices to create new American music.

The short answer is, yes, I think I have become a better singer.

My parents were music lovers and collectors. It was around.

I am not a jazz singer. I wouldn't place myself on that footing. I wouldn't even enter that arena.