Just like Marilyn Monroe is a lot of girls' idol, that's how I feel about Dorothy Dandridge. And she any Marilyn were very close friends. She went through a lot, and people told her that she couldn't do certain things, but she didn't let that bother her. She said in her mind that she was going to do them and that nothing was impossible, and she did it. It was so sad... She died from drugs, and drinking as well.

The pain is necessary. Sometimes pain is the teacher we require, a hidden gift of healing and hope.

I wanted to be a jockey. I'm serious. First time I got on a horse, I loved it. That's what I wanted to be, but my dad asked me to start performing with my family.

I need you like the blues needs the pain.

There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.

If people want to know the truth, why don't they just come to me and ask?

I wanted to talk about my life. There is so much. I was 18 when I made the record, and I had a lot to say.