The ultimate of being successful is the luxury of giving yourself the time to do what you want to do.

Once you get on stage, everything is right. I feel the most beautiful, complete, fulfilled. I think that's why, in the case of noncompromising career women, parts of our personal lives don't work out. One person can't give you the feeling that thousands of people give you.

If I do have some success, I'd like to enjoy it, for heaven's sake! What is the point of having it otherwise?

All token Blacks have the same experience. I have been pointed at as a solution to things that have not yet begun to be solved, because pointing at us token Blacks eases consciences of millions, and this is dreadfully wrong.

Who I am is the best I can be.

The way I was taught, being black was a plus, always. Being a human being, being in America, and being black, all three were the greatest things that could happen to you. The combination was unbeatable.

I have never given all of myself, even vocally, to anyone. I was taught to sing on your interest, not your capital.