I shall take my voice wherever there are those who want to hear the melody of freedom

Art is not just to show life as it is, but to show life as it should be.

And, gentlemen, they have not yet done so, and it is quite clear that no Americans, no people in the world probably, are going to war with the Soviet Union.

As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.

The talents of an artist, small or large, are God-given... They are a sacred trust.

This United States Government should go down to Mississippi and protect my people. That is what should happen.

Through my singing and acting and speaking, I want to make freedom ring. Maybe I can touch people's hearts better than I can their minds, with the common struggle of the common man.