Ray Stevens

I had no idea that I could sustain a career as an artist. But, I loved music and wanted to be in the music business.

The government is already into our lives a whole lot more than they should be. If I were president, I'd roll everything back. Everything!

I just love music in general. I've been a fan of all different kinds of music since I can remember.

I love what I do. I made my first record in '57. I don't think I'll ever get tired of making records and writing songs and singing and being in the music business.

I'm not just a singer of funny songs; I am basically, first and foremost, a musician. I'm always recording all styles of music.

People will remember a good comedy song a lot longer than they would some of the so-called straight love songs.

I'm a big fan of comedy music.

I did recording sessions as a musician as well as a background vocalist and enjoyed every minute of it. I remember singing harmony with Waylon Jennings on a few songs that were hits. Chet Atkins always put me up so high that I strained to hit every note. It was a lot of fun.

The human brain is a funny thing: it's very susceptible to tempo and melody. You put the right words to it, and it becomes very influential.