I've always felt, even as a songwriter, that the rhythm of speech is in itself a language for me.

I have never been prouder to be a lifelong New Yorker than I am today with the passage of marriage equality.

Before I became famous I had a very full life, and that gave me a lot to pick from. I always use everything. It always comes in handy. Working with animals... Well, I just enjoyed that. That was the most peaceful time.

I've been a diva since I was four.

In the darkest place, shed the brightest light.

When I got hoarse, the manager would say, 'Drink this. Joplin used to drink this,' and I used to say, 'Joplin? Joplin's dead

Men and women are different. I don't think men grow a brain until 26 or even 30. Girls mature a lot quicker.