I learnt early on that your audience take the songs in the way they want to rather than the way you might want them too.

My songs were always about the tone of voice rather than the words.

Your life has to consist of more than 'Black people should unite.' You hope they do, but not twenty-four hours a day.

If someone comes to you and asks for help, and you can help them, you're supposed to help them. Why wouldn't you? You have been put in the position somehow to be able to help this person.

Schedule? I have no schedule. There is no hurry. I work when I want to.

You know what has made me the happiest I've ever been? Seeing my son and daughter graduate from college. More than wanting them to be educated, I wanted them to be nice people. To see that they have become both is just a wonderful thing.