Black music has increased my enjoyment of what I do. It has increased my range, my ability to reach into myself and accept myself.

No matter how great we get with digital formats of instrumentation, nothing really quite duplicates the real thing

I'm proud of my mentors. Ray Charles is the strongest influence on me as a singer

To be honest I listen to the female opinion on my photos. If all the girls in the office choose a certain shot, even if I don't like it, it becomes a front runner because, really, what do I know about how others perceive me?

As you get older, your experiences become more precious. Nothing material is important to me. It's people who are precious.

I accept that appearance is a big thing in this business. But being around Hollywood and having actor friends and doing music videos, it does make you more aware of how you look. With music videos they send you rough cuts, and in certain frames of me, I just see a nose advert.

I have to be happy in the here and now because every time you start focusing on your legacy you're really setting yourself up for disappointment.