I won't wear rings and jewelry on the stage because I don't want you looking at my hands. I want you hearing what I'm saying.

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.

I have to pinch myself sometimes. It's unbelievable, but it's not. Because I know that this would not be happening if it hadn't been for Dr. Martin Luther King.

My uncle was 16, in junior high, and he heard me singing and snatched me off the stage. I thought he was happy and was going to pat me on the head and say I was good. But he took me home and told my grandmother this youngin' was at school singing the blues.

Music is such a joy, just an absolute joy.

Whenever somebody tells me they want me to stop singing, I'm gone.

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