Aretha Franklin

We didn't have music videos. You weren't an overnight sensation. You had to work at it and learn your craft: how to take care of your voice, how to pace your concerts, all that trial and error.

Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don't, it hurts even more.

My mentor was Clara Ward of the famous Ward gospel singers of Philadelphia. And my dad was my coach. He coached me. And just my natural love for music is what drove me.

It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to a younger singer or person. It means I've done my job.

In terms of helping people understand and know each other a little better, music is universal - universal and transporting.

Everybody wants respect. In their own way, three-year-olds would like respect, and acknowledgment, in their terms.

I think women and children and older people are the three least-respected groups in our society.

I've been around long enough for people to know who I am and what my contributions are. They know me as more than just an artist. I think they know me as a woman as well.

Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.

Gospel goes with me wherever I go. Gospel is a constant with me.

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

Yes, I've always been fashion conscious.

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

Better friends than lovers. Sugar can't you see? You need you and I really need me.

People are not as nice as they used to be. There used to be a time when we conversed. You don't get a lot of real responses now. They used to be more polite and well-mannered people, generally. It's minimal now.

I'm not ever going to retire. That's - that wouldn't be good, for one, just to go somewhere and sit down and do nothing. Please. No, that's not moi.

I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.

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

I always felt rock and roll was very, very wholesome music.

I certainly enjoy Usher, Beyonce, Chris Brown, and there is Fantasia; these people will be around a while. They've got it. They've got the 'it' factor.

My generation, we came along, we had to really know our craft.