As a child I always had a sense of social conditions and political situations. I think it had to do with the fact that my mother was always discussing things with my sister and me - also because I read a lot.

I think it's important, if you are an artist, to use your music to stand up for what you believe in.

I love living in California and being able to go to the beach or go to the woods.

I picked up the guitar at 11, but even before then, I was writing songs on the organ.

Men are able to sustain a career into their 50s and 60s and still present themselves as sex symbols. With women, on the other hand, people say, 'Why doesn't she retire?'

Words don't come easily, like forgive me.

I'm still thinking and hoping there's an opportunity for people to have better lives and that significant change can occur.