When I first organized the King Cole Trio back in 1937, we were strictly what you would call an instrumental group. To break the monotony, I would sing a few songs here and there between the playing. I sang things I had known over the years. I wasn't trying to give it any special treatment, just singing. I noticed thereafter people started requesting more singing, and it was just one of those things.

Music is emotional, and you may catch a musician in a very unemotional mood or you may not be in the same frame of mind as the musician. So a critic will often say a musician is slipping.

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

I often wonder whether Negroes like myself who are pretty well known help out at all in breaking down barriers.

The only prejudice I've found anywhere in TV is in some advertising agencies, and there isn't so much prejudice as just fear.

I'm in the music business for one purpose - to make money.

I may be helping to bring harmony between people through my music.