In the 1950s, my family first lived in West Los Angeles. Dad was studying architecture at USC and we didn't have a lot of money. He'd buy crumbling fixer-uppers, make repairs and sell them for a small profit. Then we'd move on. My early childhood image of him is standing on a ladder and sanding the front door.

Most of what is said by candidates on the right is half-baked truths and fabrications coated in 'patriotism or family values.'

Creativity and self-destruction sometimes come in the same package.

I used to say, if Jim were alive today he'd never be clean and sober but I'm changing that answer because Eminem - angry, creative, just like Jim; a real talent - and Clapton, of course. It's a different time so he would have learned something, I think, but I don't protect what he did.

Wouldn't it be nice if human nature could learn stuff before we get to the brink? It seems we have to experience it first.

The one constant thread through my life so far is that I have been constantly fed and nourished by music.