I'll be staying in touch and keeping my fans and friends updated on my progress. I'm looking forward to getting back on the road to give the people what they want.

My fans have written me such kind emails. My management at Daptone helped me heal, too. I'm in a good place.

Everything I've done and everything I've gained in my life has been with my music.

The only thing I wanted to accomplish was to finally get recognized by the music industry. If you know the awards, answer me this question: Do you see an award for soul music? No. They have R&B, funk, hip-hop and all sorts of contemporary things.

I sing because I'm happy.

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.

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.