Quotes from Aretha Franklin

I love the Ritz.

Christmases past, my sister Carolyn and I - we'd been waiting for Santa all night. Nothing! Where is this man?

It's very satisfying. To perform the way you want to. And the way you know that you can.

As a very small girl, I listened to Charlie Parker and loved him and Max Roach and people like that.

I really don't have any shelf music.

Let's start with the church. As you know, it's my background, it's a natural setting for me and it's definitely my roots.

I haven't had the occasion to meet Adele. She lives in England. So when I'm flying, or when she comes over here, perhaps we'll have a chance. I think she's a very fine singer, a very strong writer and performer.

I love Wal-Mart, and not just because my record is there. You can get some things there that you cannot find at Saks or Bergdorf's or other upscale stores.

I like Beyonce's music - some of it, not all of it.

I'm a big woman. I need big hair.

Who hasn't had a weight issue? If not the body, certainly the big head!

My mentor was Clara Ward of the famous Ward gospel singers of Philadelphia. And my dad was my coach. He coached me. And just my natural love for music is what drove me.

Men don't like eating out of cans. And I don't like eating out of cans too much, either.

I don't think I was a catalyst for the women's movement.

Music changes, and I'm gonna change right along with it.

My heart is still there in gospel music. It never left . . . I'm gonna make a gospel record and tell Jesus I cannot bear these burdens alone.

I remember singing around the house to records that were playing. All kinds of music. And the great James Cleveland was often in our house, and I grew up with his sound as well.

I've always felt that rock & roll was very, very wholesome.

Politics are not my arena. Music is.

Parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home.

It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to a younger singer or person. It means I've done my job.

Yeah, I want a job in Barack's Cabinet. How about a job, Mr. Obama? Please? Please?

Most of what I wear, I select myself. You can't please everybody, and as long as I'm comfortable with what I wear, I think that's what's important.

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