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I had no desire to become a singer until I heard Billie Holiday. The first time I heard her on a record, it was a revelation. She sounded like a woman singing about herself.

I really like Billie Holiday's husky voice, and I'd definitely like to find out more about her.

What I loved with Billie Holiday is she had a good way of parlaying the sorrow with a positive musical twist.

Probably to me the greatest singer, female voice, is Billie Holiday. And one of the most moving for me, I don't know why - maybe it's nostalgia, maybe because my life is one of constant partying, whatever.

I think my first musical memory is actually listening to Billie Holiday. I think I must have been, like, 3 or 4 years old.

I loved Billie Holiday more than any other person other than myself on the stage. Yeah, I do.

When Billie Holiday sings a song, I hear the song, but I always hear her and her truth.

I listened to Billie Holiday a lot in order to learn to sing. She remains one of the extraordinary jazz singers. But my intent is to become my own voice, to be able to interpret these songs in my own way.

They wanted to start recording rock 'n roll, and thought I had the right voice.