New Jersey shaped who and what I am. Growing up in Jersey gave you all the advantages of New York, but you were in its shadow. Anyone who's come from here will tell you that same story.

My favorite place in the whole world is Nashville. Because it's my home, it's Music City. It's like, everybody there is so artistic and so creative, and nice! Everybody's really friendly.

I never had, like, a nanny that took care of me. My mom always fed me breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

One circumstance that helped our character development: we were needed. I often think today of what an impact could be made if children believed they were contributing to a family's essential survival and happiness.

Black and brown pride have been taught in my household for a long time.

I grew up in Denton, east Manchester, and was raised by my late father, Reg, a barber.