Jazz is not just music, it's a way of life, it's a way of being, a way of thinking.

I have a cultured manner of speaking.

If I want to take a particular form of blues somewhere else I have the equipment to do it but I never even thought of it.

I was not reluctant to become a singer. Singing has been an activity I've done my whole life, without thought.

It was always Marx, Lenin, and revolution - real girl's talk.

How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?

This may be a dream, but I'll say it anyway: I was supposed to be married last year, and I bought a gown. When I meet Nelson Mandela, I shall put on this gown and have the train of it removed and put aside, and kiss the ground that he walks on and then kiss his feet.