I'm excited about there being more of a sisterhood these days. Back in the '90s there was a lot of hate - the women I looked up to as artists were dissing me! It's not so patriarchal these days - there's more love and a lot less hate!

Some artists shrink from self-awareness fearing that it will destroy their unique gifts and even their desire to create. The truth of the matter is quite opposite.

People shouldn't trust artists and they shouldn't trust art. Part of the fun of art is that it invites you to interpret it.

I am thankful that geniuses and artists and good people no matter how hard it is will eventually be recognized. I am doubly thankful that also goes for idiots.

You need to know what makes artists tick. Having been through the process myself as a musician since I was an early teen gave me an advantage - understanding them from their point of view because it's about them it's not about you - it's their vision and what they're capable of achieving and you're the conduit.

The history of the music industry is inevitably also the story of the development of technology. From the player piano to the vinyl disc from reel-to-reel tape to the cassette from the CD to the digital download these formats and devices changed not only the way music was consumed but the very way artists created it.

Some people are really drawn to technology and I liken them to artists.

But some great records are are being made with today's technology and there are still great artists among us. Likewise there are artists today who are so reliant on modern technology they wouldn't have emerged when recording was more organic.

Many of the artists who have represented Negro life have seen only the comic ludicrous side of it and have lacked sympathy with and appreciation for the warm big heart that dwells within such a rough exterior.

Eventually with success I started to feel more and more isolated - like I didn't have a community of artists.