When one has seen something of the world and human nature, one must conclude, after all, that between people in like stations of life there is very little difference the world over.

It’s no disgrace to be black, but it’s often very inconvenient.

Through my music teaching and my not absolutely irregular attendance at church, I became acquainted with the best class of colored people in Jacksonville.

Amsterdam was a great surprise to me. I had always thought of Venice as the city of canals; it had never entered my mind that I should find similar conditions in a Dutch town.

I had enjoyed life in Paris, and, taking all things into consideration, enjoyed it wholesomely.

O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?

It is from the blues that all that may be called American music derives it most distinctive characteristics.