I was very inspired by my mother. She was a vocal teacher and sang in a band, and my first memories of her were going out with her on the local circuit.

I love antique architecture, so if I have any indulgences, I have owned and renovated and reconstructed a lot of old houses.

Yes, I travel in unusual circles. George Osborne and his wife Frances are my cousins.

If Paul McCartney tells me that so-and-so song is his favorite song, what do I care? What do I care what anybody else says?

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 biggest honor of my career was when I won R&B Artist of the Year back in the 1970s. I look at that as a major honor.

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.