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I have been singing gospel music since I was four years old.

I've been touring now since about '68.

My first tour I was on the road for 18 months. You're just out there promoting.

I came up in gospel.

Gospel music played a huge part of my life. I was too scared to audition for the choir, but through my own music, I was also able to find spirituality for myself.

It's been over 15 years since I toured... over 12 years since I did any recording under my own name. I never really intended to take that long of a hiatus.

I actually became a Christian in my rookie year on tour when I was 16 years old.

I was burned out. I think I was just exhausted. It was a very intense five years. We didn't stop. It was constant touring, constant writing, recording.

My first ever tour of my music was in the Netherlands. I didn't really have a grace period to grow or anything; people just started booking for me. I feel pretty lucky.

I've been on the tour for many, many years. It's time for me to go now, before it's too late.