Aretha Franklin

I’ve never recorded anything I didn’t like.

Falling out of love is like losing weight. It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.

If a song’s about something I’ve experienced or that could’ve happened to me it’s good. But if it’s alien to me, I couldn’t lend anything to it. Because that’s what soul is all about.

I’ve always felt rock and roll was very, very wholesome music.

Don’t say Aretha is making a comeback, because I’ve never been away!

Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.

I’ve still got a twinkle in me.

These critics with the illusions they’ve created about artists – it’s like idol worship. They only like people when they’re on their way up… I cannot be on the way up again.

Do you know how many women get systematically blackballed out of their positions in an office building and can’t fight back?

Part of being a sex symbol is very flattering and it does help you get success in the business – but only to a point. You’re stuck with that moniker forever, and it does cloud people’s imagination. They just can’t see you being able to do anything else.

The Lion King always makes me cry, especially when Simba’s father gets trampled.

If you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’!

Trump hasn’t said one crazy thing, he’s said thousands of crazy things, each of which blunts the effect of the others.

I was always loud and obnoxious and giggly and funny.

I think I’ve always been fine on stage – though I get nervous beforehand. But once I’m on stage, all of that goes out of the window.

There are so few great talents, it’s always a discovery when you find the one.

People have got to let their bodies breathe a little bit more. That’s the great thing about being a pompous, jumped-up rock god. There’s plenty of air around you.

The fact that I am a young woman who doesn’t need a man for money. I don’t need a man for a job. I’ve never had to f**k for beats. I’ve never had to f**k for a record deal. I don’t have those pressures. I get up when I want, shop when I want.

If you are someone, you know, with fame, whatever amount, it’s good to be married to someone who’s not impressed with that at all.

While Bette Midler is an extremely unattractive woman, I refuse to say that because I always insist on being politically correct.

I have so much to talk about. I have so much to share. There are so many different emotions going on inside of me right now.