Smokey Robinson is one of my heroes as a singer and songwriter, a major influence on my own music from the very start.

Chronic Lyme causes arthritis, heart problems, stroke - even death.

To me, there's two kinds of music these days. There's ephemeral music, and there's music that has lasting power and depth.

The difference between me and other people in my generation is instead of saying the Internet's killing the record business, I say, 'Who cares about the record business, the Internet is enhancing music.

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.

If you work hard and you're good, you can build something for yourself.

I have to say I have never been comfortable with somebody else telling me what to do - in any way.