I only wore makeup when I went onstage.

I let people know that it was all right to do the kinds of things I did.

I don't think a woman has to act like a man to show that she has strength.

I invented rock & roll. Jimi Hendrix was my guitar player. James Brown was my vocalist.

I tried to look presentable for a show, but not for sexual attraction. It was strictly for show business.

I always knew I was a man, always felt that I was a man, always wanted to be a man.

Like, my mother would have company over, and I would sing so they'd pay attention to me.