Nothing can beat the smell of dew and flowers and the odor that comes out of the earth when the sun goes down.

There was one emotional outlet my people always had when they had the blues. That was singing.

I don't care to dress up except when it is necessary or good for my business.

I could always open shows, perform through the middle, and close shows.

Negroes are human beings with exactly the same faults and virtues as members of the other races.

We never had a bathtub. Mom would bathe me in the wooden or tin washtub in the kitchen, or in a big lard can.

The greatest acts in colored show business had long made Harlem their home and favorite stamping ground.