I'm singing the way that I love to sing, which is like old soul, like old Al Green. I grew up about an hour from Memphis. So all that music that I grew up with - the Stax music and early rhythm n' blues - I'm doing that. I'm actually getting out from behind my guitar and I'm singing.

As you get older, you have your tribe of women that you grow and age gracefully with and you share wisdom with. That's your clan. That's your family. That's your strength.

I want to collaborate with Amy [Winehouse] because she's really hot and cool right now. I know one song Rehab was very popular particularly because a lot of young people are in rehab as well. In fact I'm thinking about going. It looks like loads of fun and I know my career will benefit from it.

There's a lot of integrity with musicians; you really still aspire to grow, and be great, to be the best version of yourself you can be.

I've been really, really blessed. I got to perform on stage with Bob Dylan. I've gotten to sing with Mick Jagger.

If compassion was the motivating factor behind all of our decisions, would our world not be a completely different place?

As both a musician and a former teacher, I feel that music is as important to kids as reading and writing.