Any entertainer who tells you that the adoration of fans is not a heady experience probably never had the experience.

For most entertainers, there is a single experience, one defining moment, when confidence replaces the self-doubt that most of us wrestle with.

The tastes of country music fans are not limited to the narrow range defined by consultants and programmers and record company moguls.

It used to be that if you had a pretty good record, you could stop by a station in Little Rock or Atlanta and let the DJ listen to it. No way something like that can happen now.

The time I spent thinking about how I was better than somebody else or worrying about somebody else's attitude was time I could put to better use.

I finally came to terms with manic depression and lithium. I've taken lithium regularly for the past few years and have had no further bouts with manic depression.

Fans are what make a performer and I've always taken them seriously.

A fan will grab you and hug you and will not let go. When that happens, you wish it could be that way all over the world.

There only have been two people on this earth that I was nervous around: Chet Atkins and Mickey Mantle. It's because of the respect I have for them.

No one had ever told me that whites were supposed to sing one kind of music and blacks another - I sang what I liked in the only voice I had.

I learned to tune a guitar by ear. That method has served me pretty well.

A thinking mind returns to its subject.

Every person that steps up and commits to social change helps solidify the black movement cause. It is not easy for those who fill in the leader role.

The U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would tax Botox. When Botox users heard this, they were horrified. Well, I think they were horrified. It's difficult to tell.

I did not know that I would grow to be my mothers evil seed and do these evil deeds.

I've been very fortunate to dodge a nickname throughout my entire career. I've never had one.

I've done some stupid things. You just have to take responsibility, go, That was embarrassing, and move forward as best you can.

The only way I can access all my strength is to relax. ... The paradox is that you must learn to be relaxed while using all your power.

I don't like to be feared, and I can't work in conflict, I'm very bad with conflict. I try to avoid it, it paralyzes me.

Birds, except when broiled and in the society of a cold bottle, bored him stiff.

The shamans are forever yacking about their snake oil miracles. I prefer the real McCoy, a pregnant woman.