My music had roots which I'd dug up from my own childhood, musical roots buried in the darkest soil.

Don't go backwards - you've already been there.

Music to me is like breathing. I don't get tired of breathing, I don't get tired of music.

Just because you can't see anything , doesn't mean you should shut your eyes.

What is a soul? It's like electricity - we don't really know what it is, but it's a force that can light a room.

Love is a special word, and I use it only when I mean it. You say the word too much and it becomes cheap.

Affluence separates people. Poverty knits 'em together. You got some sugar and I don't; I borrow some of yours. Next month you might not have any flour; well, I'll give you some of mine.

Learning to read music in Braille and play by ear helped me develop a damn good memory.

There are many spokes on the wheel of life. First, we're here to explore new possibilities.

Live each day like it's your last, 'cause one day you gonna be right

There's nothing written in the Bible, Old or New testament, that says, 'If you believe in Me, you ain't going to have no troubles.'

Being shameless in thinking, then talking, about male friendship because it is important. Make room for friendship in your life. Make a federal case out of it.

I don't even know what words to use to talk about the music industry anymore. But the business has changed a lot - the methods of releasing music.

Woman is the crown of all creation, but Man is the head who wears it, and even the servant is master in his house.

I think that the celebrity memoir as a genre is looked upon as a lesser form. One of my missions as a ghostwriter has been to elevate that form. Maybe that sounds pretentious!

The Reagans were dear friends for many years, even when he was governor of California. Nancy appreciated a lot of Philippine-made things.

The heart is the real fountain of youth.

I think it's good for moms to work. I have three daughters, so I like them to see me working and doing something I'm passionate about.

I mean I've always been a big dude.

Painting is an investigation of being.

And the Law that once contained impossible demands -- Thou Shalt Not... -- actually becomes a promise we fulfill in you.