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

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

Now love's the only thing that's free /We must take it where it's found /Pretty soon it may be costly

After it's finished, sometimes I can trace a path that goes back to the possible source of inspiration.

As a child I spent a lot of time at the library.

We are the spirit, the collective conscience. We create the pain, and suffering, and beauty in this world.

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