Dianne Reeves

I've always respected and taken care of my instrument.

Music is a conversation between the audience and me, and I love that about my profession.

When I first heard Nina Simone, her naked truth shocked me. Whenever she sang, it felt like lightning bolts in my soul. Every song was like a movie, a unique and very different vignette.

I love New York City because there's something to do 24/7, something that will make you see things in a whole different light. Like they say, it's the city that never sleeps.

I love being with artists because I'm always open to getting into something.

I knew what the story behind 'Dreams' was. It was about Stevie Knicks' relationship. But when I sing it, it's about sharing some sage advice with somebody.

There is a certain kind of fire that happens when you fall in love with a musician. I guess you understand one another because you're connected by a creative desire.

I never called myself a jazz singer. I just call myself a vocalist because I love to sing all kinds of things.

One of the things that I love about Sarah Vaughan is that she was always very current.

I think people have come to know that I am not comfortable in a box, you know, and that I love music.

Oh my gosh, I love Jon Hendricks.

Go out into the world with your passion and love for what you do, and just never give up.