Gospel music rhythms are not African in origin, although I know that's what the jazz experts say.

It is easy to be independent when you've got money. But to be independent when you haven't got a thing, that's the Lord's test.

I don't worry too much about the script, I just ad lib, like Pearl Bailey.

Blues are the songs of despair, but gospel songs are the songs of hope.

Baby, black promoters oppressed me before white promoters ever got hold of me. Don't talk skin to me.

Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them.

The trouble with records is that they're too short.