The whites come to applaud a Negro performer just like the colored do. When you've got the respect of white and colored, you can ease a lot of things.

You've got to change with the public's taste.

Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark.

I'm an interpreter of stories. When I perform it's like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories.

Unforgettable in every way, and forever more, that's how you'll stay.

I am famous because I am an African American jazz artist.

I'm not playing for other musicians. We're trying to reach the guy who works all day and wants to spend a buck at night. We'll keep him happy.