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

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

My music had roots which I'd dug up from my own childhood, musical roots buried in the darkest soil.

The fact of the matter is, you don't give up what's natural. Anything I've fantasized about, I've done.

Even though I'm not Jewish...Israel is one of the few causes I feel good about supporting.

Music's been around a long time, and there's going to be music long after Ray Charles is dead. I just want to make my mark, leave something musically good behind. If it's a big record, that's the frosting on the cake, but music's the main meal.

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