Funk, gospel, blues is all out of slavery times, out of depression, out of sorrow.

Music has been a burden and a joy for as long as I can remember.

I love to travel to hear different kinds of music.

I think the rich are too rich and the poor are too poor. I don't think the black people are going to rise at all; I think most of them are going to die.

If I get an idea I put it on tape and somebody else writes it out.

I'm a real rebel with a cause.

I'm sorry that I did not become the world's first black classic pianist. I think I would have been happier.