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

I made a promise to myself to be kinder to other people.

Malcolm X raised my consciousness about myself and my people and other people more than any person I know. I knew him before he became Malcolm X.

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.

As much as I try, when I open my mouth, Lena comes out, And I get so mad.

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

Every color I can think of and nationality, we were all touched by Dr. King because he made us like each other and respect each other.