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

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.

Time is important to me because I want to sing long enough to leave a message. I'm used to singing in churches where nobody would dare stop me until the Lord arrives!

The old Devil gets mad when you're trying to do good. Pray that God will move the stumbling blocks.

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

One thing about playing the real jazz is that you can't count it.

Money just draws flies.