If I'm going to sing like someone else, then I don't need to sing at all.

Them that's got shall get, Them that's not shall lose. So the Bible says, And it still is news. Mama may have, Papa may have, But God bless the child that's got his own.

God has blessed you when he lets you believe in somebody.

In this country, don't forget, a habit is no damn private hell. There's no solitary confinement outside of jail. A habit is hell for those you love. And in this country it's the worst kind of hell for those who love you.

The whole basis of my singing is feeling. Unless I feel something, I can't sing.

Singing songs like 'The Man I Love' or 'Porgy' is no more work than sitting down and eating Chinese roast duck, and I love roast duck.

I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids. I started working when I was six years old.