I wanted to show the world, and myself too, what I can do. I came up in the world of Philadelphia soul, but I'm fluent in a lot of languages musically and I like working with different people from different generations.

Most artists try to avoid cliches, but it's pretty hard to avoid them if you yourself end up being one.

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

I wanted to show the world, and myself too, what I can do. I came up in the world of Philadelphia soul, but I'm fluent in a lot of languages musically and I like working with different people from different generations.

Every artistic form has its golden age, and unfortunately I think the golden age for whatever I do probably ended about 1990.

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.

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