I demand perfection in what I do, and I practice very hard before I give a concert-sometimes three to six hours a day.

I was always a politician from the day the civil rights people chose me as their protest singer.

I can't stand loud guitars that make me deaf.

To be young, gifted and black!

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

You don't have to live next to me / Just give me my equality.

I'm a real rebel with a cause.