I had my schooling right there in the Cotton Club.

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

Malcolm X made me very strong at a time I needed to understand what I was angry about. He had peace in his heart. He exerted a big influence on me.

music became my refuge and then my salvation.

I'm not a career kind of person. When I saw new music, new trends coming in, I didn't see any place for me. And I didn't think about it as a career loss, because I was married - I have a great- grandchild now. The low points were when I lost people that I really cared about.

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

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.