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

I remember the day tDr. King died. I wasn't angry at the beginning. It was like something very personal in my life had been touched and finished.

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

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

music became my refuge and then my salvation.

I had my schooling right there in the Cotton Club.

A little nepotism never hurt nobody, honey. If you got it, use it. Press on with it. Remind them of it.