Every day has its emotional difficulties. I miss my mother whether I'm singing her music or not.

I was reared in the church from the age of three. I've played piano since I was three. I performed at revivals and for my people around North Carolina for several years. People around town collected money to send me to school.

I believe the time will come when the whole definition of pop music will change. It will get to the point where a song will not be a good song until it has a high level of creativity in writing and performance. In other words, in order to be popular, songs will have to meet these high standards.

I'm sorry that I did not become the world's first black classic pianist. I think I would have been happier.

That's a very high goal to have, study eight hours a day to be a concert pianist.

I love to travel to hear different kinds of music.

I don't like to go to strange places.