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

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

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 was just like a 21st century person waiting to be born, and this is the medium that I thrive in. And I feel stronger now than I did any time since I've been a teenager - I mean, musically, creatively.

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 have an English family and I've lived in England for years.

Nobody's going to sell 10 million records by not working hard.