As they say in the bible, that you're supposed to rejoice when people die and mourn when they're born, because it's one of the most painful acts you go through in life, is being born, and dying.

When I got out of high school, I thought, I'll take a year or two off and play the clubs, get this out of my system, and then go to med school.

I got tired of playing other people's songs.

Rock 'n roll was born in the South, man. It's like saying rock-rock.

There's only one cook in the kitchen, only one chef. I let the soloists do their thing - you've gotta let a man do a solo the way he wants - but as far as picking the tunes and working on the arrangements, I take full responsibility for it.

I would like to be remembered as a - somebody who could rock your soul or make your cry with a song. And somebody who's kind, who loved to laugh, and loved his God.

45 years is a long time to do anything, let alone for a rock band to play together. I'm proud of what we've accomplished and proud that we've kept the high standards.