I never sing a song the same way twice.

I think I copied my style from Louis Armstrong. Because I used to like the big volume and the big sound that Bessie Smith got when she sang ... So I liked the feeling that Louis got and I wanted the big volume that Bessie Smith got. But I found that it didn't work with me, because I didn't have a big voice. So anyway between the two of them I sorta got Billie Holiday.

I can't stand to sing the same song the same way two nights in succession. If you can, then it ain't music, it's close order drill, or exercise or yodeling or something, not music.

I can only sing songs my way. I don't know any other way.

All dope can do for you is kill you... the long hard way. And it can kill the people you love right along with you.

And when you're poor, you grow up fast.

I never sing a song the same way twice.