My earliest influences were things I heard in my household.
I love all kinds of music.
I really just followed my musical instincts every step of my life.
My songwriting and my style became more complex as I listened, learned, borrowed and stole and put my music together.
As far as other instrumentalists, I used to love mellow sax players like Paul Desmond. I love piano.
The short answer is, yes, I think I have become a better singer.