Every time we buy a CD or download a song, the artist is paid for their work. You might not know that this isn't the case when a musician's work is played on the radio.

I'd like to see a world free of strife, stress, pain, hunger, war - a cool place where everyone could live.

I look at the careers of people I'm standing on the shoulders of. People like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., and Sarah Vaughan. These are icons I wanted to emulate, and I feel like they've been holding me up for quite a long time.

If you can think it, you can do it

I was told by my grandfather who was a minister that we all were put here on earth to be of service to one another, and it is quite gratifying to know that if I am able to be of help to one that is not able to help themselves then I am fulfilling my obligation as a human being.

Before I put on my make up, I say a little prayer for you.

Brazil is where I belong, the place that feels like home. They love their family, their country and God, and are not afraid to let anybody know it.