I was unique in that I was a kind of black that white people could accept. I was their daydream. I had the worst kind of acceptance because it was never for how great I was or what I contributed. It was because of the way I looked.

I want to sing like Aretha Franklin. Before her I wanted the technical ability of Ella Fitzgerald.

The naked female body is treated so weirdly in society. It's like people are constantly begging to see it, but once they do, someone's a hoe.

You wouldn't be allowed to get on a particular bus, but you'd be asked to sign your autograph.

I found out along the way that they like you a little imperfect.

The best thing about living... Is the chance to keep on doing it!

50 years old is like springtime to me.