She is amazingly creative, bringing so much more to a song than just a singer. She is a first-class musician and the most gracious person in the world.

The fabulous places I've been, wonderful things that've happened, great people I've met ought to make a story.

Listen to her voice, don't look at her.

I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt … she personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him – and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status – that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman – a little ahead of her times. And she didn’t know it.

I don't want to say the wrong thing, which I always do. I think I do better when I sing.

What everyone wants more than anything else is to be loved.

Some kids in Italy call me 'Mama Jazz; I thought that was so cute. As long as they don't call me 'Grandma Jazz.'