I am not a jazz singer. I wouldn't place myself on that footing. I wouldn't even enter that arena.

I'm not a jazz singer.

I listened to classical guitar and Spanish guitar, as well as jazz guitar players, rock and roll and blues. All of it. I did the same thing with my voice.

I am not a Marxist, but I place myself resolutely at the left.

I think the women - Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu - are doing new conceptual things and using their voices to create new American music.

I am a mystery to myself.