I am the original Material Girl.

When my baby was born I had to know how to save her in case she fell in the pool or something like that. I went to one of these nursing places to learn how to take care of the child.

I've always accepted applause as making me feel worthwhile. I hope I die being applauded. Just put a chaise longue under me and let me go.

When I played Lady Day, I took Aba onstage with me as a joke. He started singing-in tune!-and the audience loved it.

I never take anything for granted. I may slip any minute.

I still can't go over a subway grating without looking down to see if there is some money there.

Having my animals or my children with me exorcises that feeling of not being wanted.