I was lucky, as many of my generation was, in having a man like Dr. King in our lives. He came at a time that we needed to take a long look at each other and see how similar we were.

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

I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, it's just death.

I had my schooling right there in the Cotton Club.

I've seen so much. And I've heard so many great performers. There are performers now that couldn't work back in the days when I came along.

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