Being around people like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Roberta Flack. . . had a great impact on me as a singer, as a performer, as a musician.

I've got a good man. He takes care of me. I don't have to be scared of anything because I know he will kick every ass... disrespect him and you've got a problem.

I don't like it when they [media critics] see me as this little person who doesn't know what to do with herself -- like I have no idea what I want, like I'm just a puppet . . . . That's demeaning to me, because that ain't how it is, and it never was.

I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.

The difference between good teachers and great teachers is that great teachers have mastered the art of teaching people things they didn't know they needed to learn.

Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers and teachers.