I just write songs that I strongly believe in and that are coming from inside. There's no tricks. It's honesty with big melodies.

Nothin' on You' by B.o.B was the first song where I heard myself on the radio. I'd been trying my whole career to write a song like that, which incorporates live instruments with hip-hop and singing.

I know a lot of artists say this, but it's hard to put myself in a box. I just write songs that I strongly believe in and that are coming form a special place. There's no tricks.

I've had big record label presidents look me in the face and say, 'Your music sucks, you don't know who you are, your music is all over the place, and we don't know how to market this stuff. Pick a lane and come back to us.'

Babies are wonderful, important things. Having kids, even the thought of having kids, is a big emotional deal. But sometimes it can cause people to change their financial plans and directions.

Is it not odd that the only generous person I ever knew, who had money to be generous with, should be a stockbroker.

We were just a one-room bookstore; we didn't have any money for lawyers.

The HUAC did a deal with me. I was pretty much worn down. I had no money. I couldn't borrow.