When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted to be was Elvis Presley.

It is Billie Holiday who was, and still remains, the greatest single musical influence on me.

I'll never be Bob Dylan. He's the master.

As far as songwriting, my inspirations came from love, life and death, and viewing other people's situations.

Everyone that was over 13 was my parent. Diana [Ross] was my momma. The Marvelettes were all my parents, The Contours... 'You can't have a candy bar now, you gotta study now, do this now.

Knowing that I inspired SAM SMITH is one of the most powerful experiences I've had as an artist. I was Sam. I still am Sam.