It's really quite a situation. It's ridiculous. I make $200,000, $300,000 a night. For years I was working little dives, and if I got $700 a week, I'd say, "Wow, I'm really cooking.

I have a very strong passion to sing and paint. I'm really a student.

I try to tell the story about the song with the believability that I've lived it myself and I understand what it's all about.

I have been very fortunate to have been able to make a living from what I love to do best - performing and singing for people.

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

Just give a drum roll, announce my name & I come out & sing. I have a contract that says I'm a singer. So I sing.

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.