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

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.

There's just one thing I can't figure out. My income tax!

If I could read it, I could play it.

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

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.

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