We've all been influenced by other people...If Minnie Riperton never existed, would I have even thought of singing in that (upper) register? I doubt it.

I am thinking of you in my sleepless solitude tonight.

I love all holiday music. My two favorites would probably be Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" and Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song." They epitomize Christmas for me. Those two recordings will never be touched. That's why I've never redone them.

I'm very hard on myself and I have too many issues.

I prayed very hard for this to happen and it happened. I don't even think about what I've achieved, I haven't focused on it and I wish I had, because I really want to enjoy it, and I don't know if I am enjoying it, because I am going through my life like a bulldozer. I still haven't marveled at it.

I'd rather be onstage with a pig - a duet with Jennifer Lopez and me just ain't going to happen.

One day I promised God that if he would give me my voice back I would never smoke again. I got three octaves back after quitting.