I had 12 years of classical music as a child, playing piano competitions as a teenager, playing in blues bands and rock 'n' roll bands, country and jazz bands. I played in about any situation.

I learned when I started to study piano that I could play by ear. I could hear a song on the radio a couple of times and hear the song and the lyrics and sing it for you after a couple of plays.

I always know I'm a country singer, and regardless of where I've fallen into different places with my music, I know that, really, I'm a country singer.

I remember my uncle and my father telling me that my mother didn't want me because I was blind. She thought being blind was a disgrace and a punishment from God.

The country needs leadership driven by the dictates of national security, not the ebb and flow of political fortunes.

A lot of characters I've played have a certain amount of strength, pride, and leadership.

Only when God was said to have died did various leaders, professions and sectors risk pushing themselves forward as successors.

When they come here, what we are looking for them to do is step up to the plate, take responsibility and get the big innings, the centuries - or take a lead with the ball.