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.

You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way.

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.

I'm still learning, you know. At 80, I feel there is a lot I don't know.

music became my refuge and then my salvation.

I had my schooling right there in the Cotton Club.

The best thing about living... Is the chance to keep on doing it!