I never use that word, retire.

Hard times don't necessarily mean being poor all the time. I've known people that was a part of a family and always feel that the family likes everybody else but them. That hurts and that's as deep a hurt as you can possibly get.

I don't like anybody to be angry with me. I'd rather have friends.

If you want to be a good blues singer, people are going to be down on you, so dress like you're going to the bank to borrow money.

I don't do much recording anymore, but before I really stopped, I was glad to get five, five cent a record. That's why when I see people today and they complain about what they get, and I picked cotton for $2.50 a day.

I can't think of anyone I've mistreated. I've always thought that I am my brother's keeper. And I believe there's a 'great spirit' that takes care of all of us.

I guess you can look at me, and tell I'm the old man. My name is BB King.