It's logical that people from bad times will reflect their feelings in their communication. Music is part of the communication. If you lived it, you can do it.

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

What is love but a prelude to sorrow...with heartache ahead for your goal.

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.

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

I try to swim every damn day I can, and I've learned to scuba dive and snorkel.

There are all kinds of things that can be done. You can change rhythms, you can change chords, you can change whole concepts. But it will only work, on a record or in a performance, if you can make the people buy it.