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.

My parents were older than normal when they had me, and had been very into the politics of the 1960s, so I was brought up in that atmosphere.

It's great to have other people's help. Then the music gets heard. There's a lot more commercial support for that now.

Once I was in the city, I really enjoyed it. Just to experience things. There was so much new stuff.

I love playing to people and seeing them react.

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

Seeing how those companies operate, it didn't amount to a massive vote of confidence in their artists. There was talk of me going to Columbia after that, but nothing happened. I got disillusioned, and I pulled back.