Most middle-class Americans, even working-class Americans, encounter each other across racial lines all the time, but it gets really hard-core when you get into that witches' brew that is the combination of race and poverty.

I laugh almost everyday. I have a good sense of humor, so I'm always finding something funny.

I think there's sometimes too much attention to a few people who do hold extreme views. Most Americans go about their lives living in communities that are increasingly multiethnic, increasingly multi-religious. And they are welcoming of people who are not like themselves. Now, I don't have rose-colored glasses about America, because I grew up in the segregated South. But I watch it every day. I think that Americans are very tolerant people.

If you cannot allow people to do their jobs ... nobody with substance and creativity will work for you.

The first step for a leader is to be right with yourself. Integrity is the basis of leadership.

Spirituality and faith are at the core of who I am. I was born to deeply religious parents who were able to give me that rock solid foundation in the church and in my faith which really has served me so well.

Fortunately, I started very young, so I read music very well. And my favorite composers to play are Brahms and Mozart.