Applause felt like approval, and it became a drug that soothed the pain, but only temporarily. |
At home I'm relaxed. I may be in the yard talking to neighbors, or riding my bike, or fishing, making up the bed-and things just come to me. I'll hum a melody, and if it feels real good, I'll play it on the piano and put it on tape, and then develop it later. The music speaks words to me. |
Completeness? Happiness? These words don't come close to describing my emotions. There truly is nothing I can say to capture what motherhood means to me, particularly given my medical history. |
I can't go anywhere until I finish this Christmas album, ... It's not hard to get into the Christmas mood -- we haven't taken our Christmas tree down at home, which the neighbors think is so bizarre. And it is. But this is a jazz Christmas album, so I don't have to be too traditional or mind too many rules. That's what's pulling me along. |
I don't let people use me. That's why I like a small number of people in my life. The more people in my life, the more complex it becomes, so I just try to keep it at a minimum. |
I say if it's going to be done, let's do it. Let's not put it in the hands of fate. Let's not put it in the hands of someone who doesn't know me. I know me best. Then take a breath and go ahead. |
I say if it's going to be done, let's do it. Let's not put it in the hands of fate. Let's not put it in the hands of someone who doesn't know me. I know me best. Then take a breath and go ahead. |
I would say that my peak was making my first million at the ripe age of 29, after the first album. |
I'm picking and choosing in terms of the stress factor. If it's not fun, I'm not going to do it. |
If you understand a person's origins, you can understand her. I've always had to take care of myself. I couldn't just be that sweet little girl who kept her mouth shut. Had I done that, I'd be long gone by now. In this business, an African-American woman has to protect herself because precious few will. |
It's been a whirlwind. Everybody's been so supportive, especially here in the home base -- radio, press, fans, everybody. The feedback has just been tremendous. I use this phrase over and over, but it's been like a family reunion for me. |
Long tresses down to the floor can be beautiful, if you have that, but learn to love what you have. |
My kids' eyes always light up -- 'Why are these people screaming over my mother?' ... People around Detroit have made me cry, just walking up to me in the supermarket to say, 'It's good to have you back.' It's been beautiful. Just absolutely beautiful. |
My mother only called when she wanted things. She doesn't know me, so how could she have a feeling for me? Still, I see her each time I pass a mirror. The resemblance shocks me. Someday I'll go back to make a new stab at a relationship, but not yet. Happily, her approval is no longer necessary. No one's is. I'm no longer driven to prove I'm worthy. That war is over, even if there are still days when I have to do battle. |
They need to give people something to do around here instead of shoot at and kill one another. |