Of course, the kids who had never heard of a person called Ben E. King were then aware of the name associated with the song. That gave a tremendous lift to me as an artist.

When I got involved with The Five Crowns who later became The Drifters, and we got this hit record, I still was looking at this as kind of a fun thing.

When the night has come and the land is dark and the moon is the only light we see. No, I won't be afraid, no, I won't be afraid, just as long as you stand, stand by me.

Those things don't happen today. I feel sorry for the kids in the industry today. They have on sunglasses, eat caviar in jet planes, but they'll never know the true feeling that we did.

If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall. Or the mountain should crumble to the sea. I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear, just as long as you stand by me.

I always felt I never chose music, it chose me.

I still perform it in all my shows. I'll do it as long as I'm breathing. I'm so proud it has stood the test of time.

You're writing it is how you feel. And when you're finished you put your signature on it and you mail it off and that's it. And that's how "Stand By Me" was really.

I do like what Alicia Keys and John Legend are doing. With their music, you keep your clothes on.

I still think my whole career was accidental. I didn't pursue it. I feel like I'm cheating sometimes.

It doesn't take me long to write songs.

Every person is a big mystery a thing build of secrets, gambles and lies. That's what's about to be a mankind.

I also don't have organized religion on Pern. I figured - since there were four holy wars going on at the time of writing - that religion was one problem Pern didn't need.

Everyday should be a good day to die

The perfect breakfast is fish with grits and scrambled eggs with onions. I'm getting hungry thinking about that.

Metaphor is one of a group of problem-solving medicines known as figures of speech which are normally used to treat literal thinking and other diseases.

What is the best way to go beyond self-interest and obsession with personal demands, needs and disappointments? The answer is: Whatever you do, may it benefit everyone.

The voice of nature is always encouraging.

[He] alone is truly nonviolent who remains nonviolent even though he has the ability to strike.

I know I have an incredibly amazing family that loves and supports me unconditionally. I have a best friend I consider to be a sister, and I've recently discovered my true love.

Does that mean you're prepared to deal with whatever turns up? People aren't sometimes. When they learn the real truth, they're all of a sudden content to live with a lie.