I was on the edge. I was truly on the edge. I thought nothing was going to happen, so I said 'God, what's left for me to do?' At that point I was 61, and I had been honest and humble and giving all my life. But I thought the world wasn't going to give me a chance. Show less «

I keep my spirit clean so that when I sing, I sing completely from the heart. It's why I lived my life staying away from the bigger negatives than the rugged life I lead. Show less «

[on reacting to unprovoked violence he has endured] I wanted to get a gun, go out on the streets like a mad person. But when I came home I started praying. When I was on my knees, I actually heard a spirit in myself say, 'Who are you not to suffer? Pick up your cross and follow me. Forgive them.' That was the biggest experience of my life. Show less «

[observation, 2013] Even now, every day, I go through my trials and tribulations. It's still not easy. When I get up from my bed and walk through the streets and the subway, through everyday life, and I look at people's faces, that's how I get myself through another day. What I'm doing is reaching inside of me and finding the best of me I can give to humanity and to the world. Show less «

I'm just trying to give you guys the best of my soul. That's all I'm about. Maybe that's the mission God gave me. If I can't help you, I ain't gonna hurt you. Show less «

Love. You can't touch it, you see it, you wanna grab it, you wanna hold it, but you have to share it with the rest of the world. Show less «

[on the release of 'No Time for Dreaming' his debut soul album] When I heard it, you can ask anybody, I broke down crying. I broke down. I walked out of the room and I left. I let my mom hear it, and then I saw my mother cry. My brother, my sister, they all can't believe I did it. Show less «