I can't bear to see myself even in movies. The feeling is complex. I can't stand the sight of myself.

I'm a musician at heart. I know I'm not really a singer. I couldn't compete with real singers. But I sing because the public buys it.

The people who know nothing about music are the ones always talking about it.

I was a guinea pig for some hoodlums who thought they could hurt me and frighten me and keep other Negro entertainers from the South.

I make no claim to being a business genius. You can make so much money in this business that it loses its value.

Get me well so I can get on television and tell people to stop smoking.

Smile and maybe tomorrow you'll see that life is still worth while if you just smile