Mama was a stickler on keeping your word. That's helped me to make the right decisions in so many situations. Because of that, I also think really hard before I make a decision because I know I'm going to have to see it through.

Every song that has been a hit for me has been honest and truthful. I have to believe that same formula will work on this (television) show. It has to be believable and honest.

I was one of the very first people to ever do a video in country music.

I think my song that reminds me of Mama is "I'm A Survivor" because she is one.

[Faith] guides me on everything I do, i ask for guidance, I ask the Lord to give me wisdom when I speak, when I think and I always try to be positive and say nice things and it gives me strength throughout every minute and every day.

I had lots of breaks. I guess the one that got my foot in the door was singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in '74.

For me, singing sad songs often has a way of healing a situation. It gets the hurt out in the open into the light, out of the darkness.