Momma was home. She was the most totally human, human being that I have ever known, and so very beautiful. Within our home, she was an abundance of love, discipline, fun, affection, strength, tenderness, encouragement, understanding, inspiration, support.

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

Stay up and really burn the midnight oil. There are no compromises.

You should always know when you're shifting gears in life. You should leave your era - it should never leave you.

If you are going to think black, think positive about it. Don't think down on it, or think it is something in your way. And this way, when you really do want to stretch out and express how beautiful black is, everybody will hear you.

A healthy sex life. Best thing in the world for a woman's voice.

I am here and you will know that I am the best and will hear me.