My purpose: to lift your spirit and to motivate you.

I just had a wonderful life, and I couldn't ask for anything else.

My voice is my gift. And Pops had me using it in the right way. I had many offers to sing pop, to sing rhythm and blues. Pops said "Mavis, this record company want to give you a million dollars." I said, "No daddy, I want to sing with the family." And I did. I never wanted to branch out by myself. But I've had to now. It's my mission. I've been left here to do it. And I'm grateful.

We stay strong. We stay positive, keep our heads up, love one another, spread love. The Devil can't win when you have God on your side.

I was not fortunate enough to run into Obama. We were at the same church per se, but I would never be there when he was there.

I would get in fights a lot. My voice was so heavy, kids would say you sound like a boy, so I would start beating them up.

One day, when I was about eight years old, some kids pushed me on stage at school during a talent show because they knew I could sing.