When I was young, I didn't play like I do today. So these kids are starting at the height that I've reached. Think what they might do over time.

I never use that word, retire.

I'm self-taught. But I finally learned that they was having little shows or night dances or whatever you call them at little juke joints not far from where I lived, and I used to go there. They wouldn't let me play inside, but I could sit outside on the weekends, when it wasn't raining or something.

I was born on a plantation, and things weren't so good. We didn't have any money. I never thought of the word 'poor' till I got to be a man, but when you live in a house that you can always peek out of and see what kind of day it is, you're not doing so well. And your restroom is not inside the house.

I do it because I still get a kick out of it. I still love performing. It keeps me young.

Nobody loves me but my mother, And she could be jivin' too.

The blues are three L's - living , loving and hopefully, laughing.