I never had any ambitions of being a movie star or anything like that, but you know, this is nice.

I'm trying to get low. People's personalities can get in the way of their own work.

Reckless capitalism kills black people.

I'm blacked than midnight on Broadway and Myrtle

I don't hate nobody. I hate certain conditions that are inflicted upon the people - and they're helpless with it.

I learned [playing Chuck Berry] that there's something to be said for the courage of conviction, that sense of belief, being bold enough to believe in your vision. And there's a quote that really fits his particular energy. It says - they say don't go where the path may lead, but go where there's no path and leave a trail. I think that's exactly what Chuck did, you know. It's an inspiration to a lot of folks, not just musicians, but people everywhere.

It's possible and available to any artist to be himself or herself on their own terms, to be accepted and embraced by black people. You don't have to be a thug to get love from black people.