I've taken stuff from people, too. You know though, if you steal from one person, you're just a thief. But if you steal from everyone, that's research.

Sometimes the teacher would tell me that if you're singing a love song and you just don't feel it with a person or something you've experienced, just think of a dog or cat that you love.

I don't disrespect the audience. I only sing very well-written, intelligent songs.

Don't try to be just like some other singer hitting it big - find your own style and be honest in your performances. And never underestimate your audience.

I don't look down to an audience. I look up to them. They respond to quality.

The bottom line of any country is: what did we contribute to the world? We contributed Louis Armstrong.

I always feel the audience is my best teacher.