I'm a real rebel with a cause.

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.

My name sounds French but that's just a stage name.

I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.

I feel what they feel. And people who listen to me know that, and it makes them feel like they're not alone.

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

My people have very subtle slang, inflections and ways of saying things that has little to do with words. If you're from the same place, you'll feel the jargon and know exactly what's happening. Same with any neighborhood cat. What he sees and hears and feels and lives makes him what he is. That's what blues is.