I see some recurring themes: things that feel threaded together, some symbolic references, and songs about some of the big questions, like death. There are a lot of references to weather, too!

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

Some things remain fragments, just the lyrics and melodies or a line or two or a verse.

I may be revered or defamed and decried; But I tried to live my life right.

I don't try to project any image at all, other than the person that I am.

I learn all these things about the record talking about it after it's finished.

Growing up in Cleveland, I learned about singing from my mother, who had once sung professionally and who admired Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin.