My uncle Claude was my favorite uncle he was also my godfather. He and I were really, really close. He used to take me to see cowboy movies all the time when I was a little boy because I loved cowboy movies. He got a cowboy name for me, which was Smokey Joe. So from the time I was three years old if people asked me what my name was I didn't tell them my name was William, I told them my name was Smokey Joe.

Once you're a Motown artist, you're always a Motown artist

When you write a song, a song has longevity

There's some sad things known to man, but ain't too much sadder than, the tears of a clown when noones around.

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

Before you ask some girl for her hand now, keep your freedom for as long as you can now. My Mama told me, you better shop around.

I will build you a castle with a tower so high it reaches the moon.