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

Slavery has never been abolished from America's way of thinking.

Since I was three I've been playing the piano. I've been onstage.

Music has been a burden and a joy for as long as I can remember.

I can't stand loud guitars that make me deaf.

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.

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