Just like Pagliacci did, I try to keep my surface hid. Smiling in the crowd I try, but in a lonely room I cry.

Songwriting is my gift from God

I always try to write a song, I never just want to write a record. Originally I was not writing songs for myself. Songwriting is my gift from God.

And I can say this, most of the people who have recorded my songs are songwriters themselves.

I don't ever balk at being considered a Motown person, because Motown is the greatest musical event that ever happened in the history of music

She may be cute, but she's just a substitute.

I really haven't strayed too far, musically, from my roots