Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.

I applied for a scholarship to Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. I knew I was good enough, but they turned me down. And it took me about six months to realize it was because I was black. I never really got over that jolt of racism at the time.

Once I understood Bach's music, I wanted to be a concert pianist. Bach made me dedicate my life to music, and it was that teacher who introduced me to his world.

You've got to learn to leave the table When love's no longer being served".

I do love to sing Jacques Brel songs, intensely. I get terribly excited, just by reading a couple of lines in any one of his songs.

To be young, gifted and black!

How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?