You know, people want to honor me, and on the one hand I just don't want to be a poster child; but on the other, I want to do something classy and great - something where the residuals will go to the cause.

It didn't matter as much because I'm a singer, not an actress, but my face is more acceptable in a way now than when I first came on the scene, because I'm part black.

I always sang standards because the songs I wrote for myself weren't as easy to sing.

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

You say we'll soar like two birds through the clouds, but soon you'll cage me on your shelf. I'll never learn to be just me, first by myself.

But I'm lost when it comes to you.

I haven't got time for the pain.