Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

I think there's something peculiar about me that I haven't died. It doesn't make sense but I refuse to die.

I've been in love with audiences all my life, and I've tried to please. I hope I did.

When you have lived the life I've lived, when you've loved and suffered, and been madly happy and desperately sad -- well, that's when you realize you'll never be able to set it all down. Maybe you'd rather die first.

I've never looked through a keyhole without finding someone was looking back.

My [singing] style really has no style, because I try to sing each number differently. I’ve always believed that if style takes precedent over the words and music, the audience get’s cheated. It’s like when people see a fine play or movie. They imagine themselves in the leading role. I want them to imagine that they’re singing - not just listening to someone else.

Birds fly over the rainbow. Why then, oh, why can't I?