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.

If you smile through your fear and sorrow, smile and maybe tomorrow you'll see the sun come shining through for you.

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 am an American citizen and feel I am entitled to the same rights as any other citizen.

I got the message. All of us get the message, sooner or later. If you get it before it's too late or before you're too old, you'll pull through all right.

Only time, education and plenty of good schooling will make anti-segregation work.

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