More than anybody else I’d like to thank Count Basie for teaching me how to perform.

That song helped make me a world citizen. It allowed me to live, work and sing in any city on the globe. It changed my whole life.

Every city I go to is an opportunity to paint, whether it's Omaha or Hawaii.

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 think if you have a passion for what you do then there are no limitations on how long or how much you can accomplish.

Regardless of religion or race or ethnic background we are all human and we are all on this planet together. So what better reason do you need to not tolerate any form of violence against another human being?

There's always something every night that I learn from reacting to what the audience is reacting to. You learn what to leave out, what to put in, if you need a little more comedy or more drama.