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

I've had some wonderful love affairs and some that didn't work out. I don't want to dwell on that and I don't want to put people down, but I think all the fabulous places I've been, the wonderful things that have happened for me, the great people I've met - that ought to make a story.

[On bebop years] All I did was sing 'How High the Moon.' It seemed like the only song I ever sang.

I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.

I guess what everyone wants more than anything else is to be loved. And to know that you loved me for my singing is too much for me. Forgive me if I don't have all the words. Maybe I can sing it and you'll understand.

I'm very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it's a different feeling I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it's because it's something I love to do.

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