I know I'm never going to be a big pop star, because I'm not willing to conform.

I didn't get into music to become a blues musician, or a country musician. I'm a singer-songwrit er. In my book that means I get to do whatever I want.

I've got a 27-inch waist. Before, I was stupid smaller. Finding clothes in the South was impossible.

You have to live what you write, or you have to know it. There are exceptions, like story songs, where you just have to have your facts straight. But I think you don't have to live a hard life to be a good or interesting songwriter.

I love Motown, but I've obviously always been more of a Memphis soul fan. If it's Stax or Motown, I go Stax.

I didn't do anything differently than what my father was doing. It's a really hard family to rebel in. I could have become an accountant. Or I could have become a Republican.

My parents split up when I was about 2. I realize more and more how much I'm like my father. My gentleness comes from my mother.