Be black, shine, aim high.

All token Blacks have the same experience. I have been pointed at as a solution to things that have not yet begun to be solved, because pointing at us token Blacks eases consciences of millions, and this is dreadfully wrong.

I prefer to leave standing up, like a well-mannered guest at a party.

I have never given all of myself, even vocally, to anyone. I was taught to sing on your interest, not your capital.

Once you get on stage, everything is right. I feel the most beautiful, complete, fulfilled. I think that's why, in the case of noncompromising career women, parts of our personal lives don't work out. One person can't give you the feeling that thousands of people give you.

You should always know when you're shifting gears in life. You should leave your era - it should never leave you.

... we performers are monsters. We are a totally different, far-out race of people. I totally and completely admit, with no qualmsat all, my egomania, my selfishness, coupled with a really magnificent voice.