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

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

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.

Always be smarter than the people who hire you.

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

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

The naked female body is treated so weirdly in society. It's like people are constantly begging to see it, but once they do, someone's a hoe.