I learned from Ethel Waters, Duke Ellington, Adelaide Hall, the Nicholas Brothers, the whole thing, the whole schmear. [The Cotton Club] was a great place because it hired us, for one thing, at a time when it was really rough [for Black performers].

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.

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

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

I had my schooling right there in the Cotton Club.

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

After I got over the terrible pain of having something of mine taken from me, I began to think how bad everybody else must be feeling. It wasn't a nice time.