There was a time in American history when almost every white person knew who Aretha Franklin was.

Music should probably provide answers in terms of lyrical content, and giving people a sense of togetherness and oneness, as opposed to being alone in their thoughts and dilemmas or regrets or happiness or whatever.

There was a time in American history when almost every white person knew who Aretha Franklin was.

But my attitude about it is I have miles to go before I sleep.

I adore being with Roberta. I adore being in her spiritual light. I adore being close to her talent and gifts.

I mean, on the food chain, do instruments really rate? I don't think so.

If you have a Stradivarius and nobody to play it, it's just a Stradivarius. Or is it even that? It's nothing.