In my house, we couldn't listen to 'Love to Love You Baby.' It was way too salacious back in the day. I remember my mom would turn the station off when that song came on the radio. But, of course, I played my album to death in my bedroom, with the door closed.

You rarely see a musical being told about the life of a black woman.

I'm a theatre doll, and I've always - since I'm out of school - have always been on stage.

What I always liked best about myself was my resilience, especially in this business with all the 'no's,' the doors closed in my face.

As singers, we're always taught to sing forward and place everything in the front of our resonating chambers. Donna Summer always sang in that space and had it naturally. Her muscle memory, the way she was built - she was a natural singer.

I'm from a part of Florida that is very close to Georgia in the panhandle area. I have a very colorful Southern family.