I cant retire from music any more than I can retire from my liver. Youd have to remove the music from me surgically—like you were taking out my appendix.

What is a soul? It's like electricity - we don't really know what it is, but it's a force that can light a room.

What I've got to live up to, is being myself. If I do that, the rest will take care of itself.

There are many spokes on the wheel of life. First, we're here to explore new possibilities.

Music is the chalk to the blackboard of life. Without it everything is a blank slate

I can't help what I sound like. What I sound like is what i am. You know? I cannot be anything other that what I am.

Music is my life, professionally, for nearly 60 years. To be recognized by the academy is still the highest honor.