Carole King

I think Madonna has a great deal of intelligence and capability. I have a lot of respect for her. She's taken her career and maximized it with intelligence and creativity.

In my career I have never felt that my being a woman was an obstacle or an advantage. I guess I've been oblivious.

I only wanted to be a songwriter. I never wanted to be a singer. And I never wanted to be famous.

My one area of vulnerability was I didn't know how to have a healthy relationship with a man.

I've had a remarkable life. I seem to be in such good places at the right time. You know, if you were to ask me to sum my life up in one word, gratitude.

My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of the ever changing view.

I write heavily under the influence of James Taylor.

The downside of videos is that it will put my vision in front of other people, so they might not get the chance to create their own.

I was taking singing lessons, and they'd say, 'Your voice is too hoarse. You have to do more exercises.'

When I was younger, I was kind of fearless. I think it takes more courage to do things when you know more. I was completely naive, and I was like, 'Why can't I do anything I want to do?'

Eric Clapton is my dream guitarist.

I used to hate the sound of my voice.