What we call soul has been around a long time. It comes out of a particular culture that is African in origin, but influenced by 250 years of slavery, as well as other forms of racial oppression.

I always had this energy level that made me want to come to New York.

I couldn't get my album played over the so-called smooth jazz stations. Jazz stations would not play it. You don't always know who you're making that soul connection with.

I don't trip on that much. I just like to enjoy life and be happy.

It's a wonderful feeling just being in this creative motif.

The true beauty of music is that it connects people.

I generally sell my records online or at the show. You can undersell the distributor and the stores, and people know what they're getting cause they've just seen you live.