I keep showing decade after decade that I am a real performer.

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.

Creativity is an amazing human characteristic, which is more connected with curiosity than with knowledge.

Why is a Christmas tree better than a man? Because it stays up, has cute balls, and looks good with the lights on!

In the name of justice there cannot be subjection and in the name of peace there cannot be impunity.

The video camera dominates art. It's a bore, it makes everything look a bit the same. If you look at things with a pencil and paper in your hand, you are going to see far more.

If our founding fathers were alive today, they'd roll over in their graves.

Inflation usually helps the economy at large, but not the 1% if wages rise. So the 1% says that it is terrible.

We're all Africans, everyone - black, white, yellow.

The ungovernable passion for wealth. [Lat., Opum furiata cupido.]

I feel like I'm treating people as I'd like to be treated.

I reported everything I was given, even if I didn't keep - I did not keep the vast majority of it.