I joined Count Basie's band to make a little money and to see the world. For two years I didn't see anything but the inside of a Blue Goose bus, and I never got to send home a quarter.

You can't copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you're working without any real feeling.

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.

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

A kiss that is never tasted, is forever and ever wasted.

You've got to have something to eat and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body's sermon on how to behave.

There's no damn business like show business - you have to smile to keep from throwing up.