I never felt entitled to anything. I'm the hardest worker I know.

If you take a bunch of superstars and put them in a room where they don't have their assistants and entourage, it's funny to see what happens.

I have gone from one relationship to a marriage and stepchildren.

Like all soul singers, I grew up singing in church but sometimes I would leave early and sit in the car listening to gospel band, The Blind Boys of Alabama. Hearing their lead singer Clarence made me connect the idea of church and show business and see how I could make a career singing music that stirred the soul.

What I do isn't black music, it's just my music.

Being at college, I think that's the time when you really start searching for things outside yourself.

Any song I don't feel good about, I shelve. Anything you ever hear me sing, it's because I want to.