ARETHA FRANKLIN, "DAY DREAMING"
It's gorgeous the way she sings it, and the melody is beautiful. It's such a romantic song-not just lyrically but the way it's arranged.
BILL WITHERS, "I CAN'T WRITE LEFT-HANDED"
It's a gripping, powerful story about a solider. We did an epic rendition of it [on Wake Up!]. We wanted to talk about war because it's important.
STEVIE WONDER, "LOOKIN' FOR ANOTHER PURE LOVE"
It takes me back to college, when I started to fall in love with Talking Book. It has a great feel-very nostalgic, very wistful, very innocent.
NINA SIMONE, "I LOVES YOU PORGY"
It's haunting-the pain, the emotion. She had such great control and subtlety...that strength. I didn't really know her as a child, but as an adult I became a big fan. She's always in my head.
MARVIN GAYE, "WHOLY HOLY"
I grew up playing gospel music. I'm not religious now, but I still have a lot of affection for gospel. I love singing it; I love hearing it.
MARVIN GAYE, "GOT TO GIVE IT UP"
The perfect way to warm up a house party! It's certainly one of my go-to songs if I'm having people over.
"THE SONGS ON MY NEW ALBUM ARE VERY SOULFUL AND GRITTY"
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