If I wasn't my age, I would turn a flip. I would do some cartwheels. That's how I feel.

Music is such a joy, just an absolute joy.

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.

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.

I'm so blessed that I can still be here to bring the music and have new generations of fans. My Pops would be so proud.

If I wasn't my age, I would turn a flip. I would do some cartwheels. That's how I feel.

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