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.

Sometimes in a restaurant you'll see a lady dressed very nice, she picks up a menu or something... a little fan is always a little bit nice.

I need that on stage. I need a burst of life. That's entertainment for me.

I was a victim; I don't dwell on it.

I remember music first artists second.

What is love but a second-hand emotion?

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.