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

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

I don't like to go to strange places. I was in Italy for about five hours on my way to Africa.

I don't like drug addicts and she sounds like a cat.

To most white people, jazz means black and jazz means dirt, and that's not what I play. I play black classical music.

As I got older though I wanted a life of my own. The classical training was very demanding and thorough. It was a very sheltered existence. Even though I heard blues and gospel on the radio sometimes, it was always back to the piano and study and give recitals.

You've got to learn to leave the table When love's no longer being served".