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.

There is a great feeling in a small venue, with the closeness of the people and the intimacy.

I never sang for a Grammy, for money, for fame. That's my whole purpose for singing: for people, for the fans.

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.

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.

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 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.