I'm grateful to be alive, because I really did not think I was going to be alive, onstage performing songs.

Singing is my life. And when I can do that, that's when I'm free. That's when I'm at my happiest, I'm at my most.

[I've worked as a guard at Rikers Island] from 1988 to 1990.

We chose it's name [Give the People What They Want] a while ago, long before the cancer. But I can't think of a more fitting title.

I'm not planning on singing too late. Maybe another eight or 10 years is enough before I retire. It would also be great to revisit all these stunning places around the world where I have toured.

I tell the songwriter's story. When I read people's lyrics, I'm so amazed. I want to tell this story and make it part of my life. I usually can't write lyrics down, but I can sure tell that story. You've got to make people feel the hurt and love in each song.

To be honest, I didn't think I would be here for this album [Give the People What They Want]. I thought I was going to die. When the doctor came in by himself and told me I had cancer, it was frightening. He told me he got it and there would be six months of chemo. I really thought people would be promoting my record without me here to enjoy it. But I'm here.