I think the hardest thing is losing weight. That's the hardest thing more than anything else.

We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right.

Be your own artist, and always be confident in what youre doing. If youre not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.

Soul is a constant. It's cultural. It's always going to be there, in different flavors and degrees.

I'm a big woman. I need big hair.

If you disrespect everybody that you run into, how in the world do you think everybody's supposed to respect you?

People really don't have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you. And just don't let that go to your head, whatever it is they give you.

Don't say Aretha is making a comeback, because I've never been away!

Falling out of love is like losing weight. It's a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.

My faith always has been and always will be important to me.

Your home is where your family is... Where someone waits for you and thinks about you.

I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: Oh Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God grante

There are lots of things I could have done for the money, but I've made a great living doing the things I want to do.

Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.

I went into the business for the money, and the art grew out of it. If people are disillusioned by that remark, I can't help it. It's the truth.

There was a moment in the early '80s when I wanted to work on films and wanted to live in L.A.

It's a good thing a DUI's job security.

All actual heroes are essential men, And all men possible heroes.

The problem in our community is not the women - I mean, they've done all they can do.

Theater in Chicago will always be my first love.