Being around people like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Roberta Flack, all these greats, I was taught to listen and observe.

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.

I would stay in my room for days, for days at times, just trying to get it together, to know what my next phase was going to be.

You don't have a baby based on that publicity madness. People don't live like that. Especially black people who were raised in families with morals and standards and integrity.

My daughter is my greatest inspiration.

There can be miracles when you believe.

Judge not for your flaws, but for your Triumphs!