I'm a black American, I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride and dignity.

James Brown, Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson, Chuck Berry and Little Richard - I think they had strong influences on a lot of people, because these were the guys who really got rock'n'roll going. I like to start with the origin of things, because once it gets along it changes. It's so interesting to see how it really was in the beginning.

I just can't conceive of how a person could hate another because of skin color. I love every race on the planet earth.

I appreciate all my fans, on all occasions, everyday of my life. Its your presence & your loyalty that has given me great strength

If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.

I've been through hell and back. I have, to be honest, and still I'm able to do what I do and nothing can stop me. No one can stop me, no matter what. I stop when I'm ready to stop. You know, and I'm just saying, you know, I will continue to move forward no matter what.

I've been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old ... As Charles Dickens says, 'It's been the best of times, the worst of times.' But I would not change my career ... While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me.