We are in this period now where we all are trying to be in shape physically and deny ourselves any pleasure.

My look was even more solidified when I started singing in Greenwich Village with my sister Lucy. We wore matching dresses as the Simon Sisters.

As a singer I tried on all these hats, these voices, these clothes, and eventually out came me.

I grew up not understanding what was true and what was not true. It gave me a sense of unreality. I was told that this man [mom's lover] was not my mother's lover - when he was. I was told he was there as a male babysitter for my brother so that he would learn sports and other manly things.

Do you know how many concerts I've done in my whole life, in more than 35 years of performing? Sixty-four.

You know, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 I realized I had spent too long arranging my attitude.

I always think it's interesting to dig a little bit deeper every time you go to someplace that seems like a revelation or a strong connection to an emotional truth.