After 9/11, I was like many people in New York City and got a little depressed. I began to check myself into The Waldorf Astoria for room service, movies and just to chill. I wanted to contribute to the great city of Manhattan.

Faith is something a lot of people relate to as a God-thing, but it's also faith in yourself.

I'm trying to learn, as I'm in my 40s, to embrace what I've been able to achieve and be proud of it. And I know there's roles that I will want to play before I die but, you know, I'm still just taking one day at a time.

As far as what made it on there [The Art of Elegance record], it was tough. It's probably one or two songs too long, but I just couldn't (cut any more). That's what I ended up with. I'm really proud of it.

I got to see Linda's [Hart] live when it first came on Broadway. I just loved her. I've always been a fan of hers.

[Songs] have to be a part of you. They have to be in your DNA. That's how I approached it.

The thing is, I would need the right producer [for dance-music album ], right? "Calling all dance music producers! I'm available.