I am here and you will know that I am the best and will hear me.

Accomplishments have no color.

... 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.

The ultimate of being successful is the luxury of giving yourself the time to do what you want to do.

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

If I do have some success, I'd like to enjoy it, for heaven's sake! What is the point of having it otherwise?

Momma was home. She was the most totally human, human being that I have ever known, and so very beautiful. Within our home, she was an abundance of love, discipline, fun, affection, strength, tenderness, encouragement, understanding, inspiration, support.