My earliest influences were things I heard in my household.
I love working with the quartet. I have more freedom and flexibility.
I listened to classical guitar and Spanish guitar, as well as jazz guitar players, rock and roll and blues. All of it. I did the same thing with my voice.
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.
I'm easily distracted by other things in the world around me.