Being honored at Berklee College of Music; I got a doctorate. I am Doctor Patti.

I can't do some of the songs that younger girls like Mary J. Blige and Beyonce are doing. They have their own place and I have my own place.

I know how to put it on when it comes to interviews and performing because I have to. But I'm pretty laid back.

Tell Aretha I’ll be praying for herBecause she needs Jesus!I love her.

All I can tell you really is if you get to the point where someone is telling you that you are not great or not good enough, just follow your heart and don't let anybody crush your dream.

So if anybody wants to get me something, get me 60 crabs - one for each year. I don't want no diamonds, I don't want no shoes, I don't want no party. I want some crabs.

God doesn't do the work for you; he does the work through you. It's not enough to look up; you must also look within.

That's another lesson I've learned the hard way. All relationships will die if they aren't nurtured. Just as a flower will die if it's not watered. Because love is demonstration, not declaration.

I don't feel as though I have to prove anything to anybody.

So if diva means giving your best, then yes, I guess I am a diva.

I just sing the stuff that makes me smile, makes me feel like I didn't sell myself out.

I felt guilty all of a sudden, as if just by existing and talking to him I was leading him on.

Bleak House is just the most astounding piece of work. There's huge, visionary poetry in it.

Memories mean more to me than dresses.

There was some justice in his pain

I never imagined my life would be the way that it has been for the past 30 years. I have had the best experiences a person can have-and the worst as well.

Too many people have a wonderful dream and just talk about it rather than do something about it.

The imagination is a place all by itself. A separate country. Now, you've heard of the French nation, the British nation. Well, this is the Imagi-nation. It's a wonderful place.

We need a new kind of offensive in the Middle East. It's called a peace offensive.

Most of the pictures we consume are propaganda.

Autumn in felted slipper shuffles on, Muted yet fiery.--Vita Sackville-West