In my early days I was a sepia Hedy Lamarr. Now I'm black and a woman, singing my own way.

I thought of singing and acting as a living-making. I was able to take care of myself and a few of my friends.

Count Basie isn't just a man, or even just a band. He's a way of life.

My identity is very clear to me now, I am a black woman.

It's ill-becoming for an old broad to sing about how bad she wants it. But occasionally we do.

I'm not alone, I'm free. I no longer have to be a credit, I don't have to be a symbol to anybody; I don't have to be a first to anybody.

I've seen so much. And I've heard so many great performers. There are performers now that couldn't work back in the days when I came along.