I first began to write songs as a small child. I was very drawn to music of all kinds, but especially to music that had "soul". Now this could mean Aretha Franklin or Judy Garland, both possess incredible soul! Later in my life I was influenced by so many great songwriters/performers...Carole King, James Taylor, Tracey Chapman, Phoebe Snow. I think I am a distillation of so many things and genres of music. I did not try to copy anyone...for instance I believe still, that "soul" music is not so much a genre, as it is what you put into the song of your own soul. I put a lot of soul into everything I sing!