There was a time when I had the blues - I mean I really had it bad. I couldn't pay my light bill and I couldn't pay my rent and I really had the blues. But today I can pay my rent and I can pay the light bill and I still got the blues. So I must been born with 'em... That's my religion - the blues is my religion.

I got that first record out, it came out in '47... Then my name began to ring around. I began to take over. From that point, I tell you, Chicago was in my hand, all the more time that those guys had to listen to me.

All the kids made their own git-tars. Made mine out of a box and bit of stick for a neck. Couldn't do much with it, but that's how you learn.

If you got something you don't want other people to know, keep it in your pocket.

Robert Johnson? No, I didn't know him, personally.

Find me playing till sunrise for 50 cents and a sandwich.

I was messing around with the harmonica... but I was 13 before I got a real good note out of it.