An interpretation exists because of what we find between the notes.

I want to get out of the major opera houses.

Certainly, jazz has become more of a niche, which is surprising, because it's our music. It's the national music of America.

I was constantly being pushed toward a European ideal of what it means to be a classical or opera singer, let's say in the Renata Tebaldi mode. I reject that.

I have a certain image that's more classic, and I'm happy to stay out of the fray.

Perfection often creates such a flawless surface that there's no place for the audience to enter into a piece, while the idiosyncrasies of individual style are like windows into the singer's heart.

I was always a very good student.