I've always loved singing. I find it exhilarating.

I was just learning to play guitar when Tracy Chapman came out. She wrote these songs, she played them by herself and I so admired her for that.

I had my guitar and some talent so that I could make friends with intelligent people and could talk my way out of difficult situations.

No matter where we come from or where we're going, we've all got memories to contend with, and it's always best not to do this alone!

It's wonderful to work with someone with mentor status.

I've always loved singing. I find it exhilarating.

I think I was probably an early teenager when I discovered Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and a bunch of people that are on a long list of artists. They were important to me, especially as an early adolescent.