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

I was born with music inside me

What makes my approach special is that I do different things. I do jazz, blues, country music and so forth. I do them all, like a good utility man.

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.

Music is about the only thing left that people don't fight over.

My mom taught me a lot. A lot about minding your own business and leaving other people's business alone. And let them think what they want.

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