I am the first instrument. I am the voice. I do not imitate other instruments. Other instruments imitate me.

I think that's what really a substantial work is, it's forever. It's the truth now and it was the truth then, and it will be the truth tomorrow.

You can never loose a thing If it belongs to you.

I was in New York, miserable because I was working supper clubs but I wasn't expressing myself. I was really unhappy with my life. I saw Max Roach again and he told me I didn't have to do things like that. He made me an honest woman on the stage. I have been performing in that tradition since. I feel that I'm a serious performer now whereas then I wanted to be but I didn't know how.

But I've been there and done that. I'm not trying to prove anything to anybody, and if somebody wants me to come, if they can afford what I ask, it's not as much as Madonna makes; not that I want what Madonna makes, but I was saying.

I don't have to lay on the couch and see a therapist because my therapist is in my paint brushes.

I am the first instrument. I am the voice. I do not imitate other instruments. Other instruments imitate me.