You take everything I've made the last 16 years. I'll take my freedom.

I kind of felt I left a good message and memory with the people in terms of my work, and I always felt with a good record, I could always come back.

I don't have a problem with being black in a white country or being with my people.

Physical strength in a woman - thats what I am.

I'm self-made. I always wanted to make myself a better person, because I was not educated. But that was my dream - to have class.

After I moved with my mother to St. Louis, my older sister and I went to see Ike Turner, who was the hottest then. His music charged me. I was never attracted to him, but I wanted to sing with his band.

I regret not having had more time with my kids when they were growing up.