I don't like drug addicts and she sounds like a cat.

I believe in racial memory too. I'm sure I've got ancient African blood in me that has something to do with what I am.

I only knew classical music, which to me was the only true music. The only way I could survive at the bar was to mix the classical music with popular songs, and that meant I had to sing. What happened was that I discovered I had a voice plus the talent to mix classical music together with more popular songs, which at the time I detested.

Jazz is not just music, it's a way of life, it's a way of being, a way of thinking.

The Beatles are lucky, very lucky. But what has happened to them has nothing to do with them, in a sense. They came along at the right time. Attention was focused on them. They've had the chance to grow in almost any direction they wanted. Very lucky. They are not exceptionally talented.

Theory and harmony broadened my mind in music. I know what music is made of.

Since I was three I've been playing the piano. I've been onstage. My mother is an Evangelist and I used to play the piano at her revival meetings.