I'm a tremendous believer and supporter in hip-hop and rap.

Jazz has the power to make men forget their differences and come together... Jazz is the personification of transforming overwhelmingly negative circumstances into freedom, friendship, hope, and dignity.

The only music I don't like is bad music.

Michael (Jackson) was so shy, he'd sit down and sing behind the couch with his back to me while I sat with my hands over my eyes-and the lights off.

I don't deserve a Songwriters Hall of Fame Award. But fifteen years ago, I had a brain operation and I didn't deserve that, either. So I'll keep it.

The climate in the '50s and '60s for black performers or black people in the entertainment business was atrocious. It was atrocious.

My grandmother had this high-tech security system - a rusty nail she used to lock the door.