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.

I don't like to go to strange places. I was in Italy for about five hours on my way to Africa.

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

There's no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes and heroines are or were.

I was always a politician from the day the civil rights people chose me as their protest singer.

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

It is difficult to retain your standards with the pressure of trying to make money, which always has its rules...It's hard to walk the tightrope of doing what you think is your best and making money at it.