My songs are like my children. I love every single one of them.

I have been consistent by staying true to who I am and will continue to sing the type of songs that those who have continued to support my career expect from me.

I had said before that I'd never write an autobiography because I've been around, and there's a lot that I've seen and heard that stays with me. That's just mine. I didn't want to do a kiss-and-tell, as some of my peers have.

I have no desire to look back, I only want to look forward to the things that are still ahead of me.

The Civil Rights for Musicians Act is about economic justice for African American artists. It's about what's right. And it's about time.

We are all here to be a service to those who can't be a service to themselves. We can give people hope and more reasons for being human.

All my friends and peers keep asking me when I'm going to rest - I just tell them it's another dirty four-letter word!