I knew if I lived long enough I would be poet laureate of something.

My mother loved rock and roll. She loved high-energy music.

Technology is 50% of rock 'n' roll - the magic, the art, the performance. If you don't have good technicians and a strong road crew who are devoted and believe in you and protect you, you're totally naked.

You're not a rock 'n' roll person four hours a day or even when you're on stage. It's become the rhythm of your whole life.

All I've ever wanted to do was create freedom.

I have seen a lifetime of transgender people and it was hard enough being gay in the '50s and early '60s. One couldn't imagine the cruelty that trans people had to face back then.

I don't think anything can prepare you for one's losses.