I can read and arrange, but I can't write.

Talent is a burden not a joy. I am not of this planet. I do not come from you. I am not like you.

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.

As I got older though I wanted a life of my own. The classical training was very demanding and thorough. It was a very sheltered existence. Even though I heard blues and gospel on the radio sometimes, it was always back to the piano and study and give recitals.

Music is a gift and a burden I've had since I can remember who I was.

If I want to take a particular form of blues somewhere else I have the equipment to do it but I never even thought of it.

By the time I was eight I was taking classical piano lessons and I wanted to be a concert pianist. But that didn't work out. I graduated from high school and my formal education ended.