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.

As I got older, my voice got better.

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

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

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

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.

Success and failure are equally surprising.