I'm just a singer, Elvis was the embodiment of the whole American culture.

It is Billie Holiday who was, and still remains, the greatest single musical influence on me.

You better get busy living, because dying's a pain in the ass.

Stay alive, stay active, and get as much practice as you can.

For nobody else, gave me thrill-with all your faults, I love you still. It had to be you, wonderful you, it had to be you.

I'm supposed to have a Ph.D. on the subject of women. But the truth is I've flunked more often than not. I'm very fond of women; I admire them. But, like all men, I don't understand them.

If you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere; it's up to you, New York, New York.