Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind.

I tell my kids and I tell proteges, always have humility when you create and grace when you succeed, because its not about you. You are a terminal for a higher power. As soon as you accept that, you can do it forever.

The climate in the '50s and '60s for black performers or black people in the entertainment business was atrocious. It was atrocious.

Whenever a woman would come too close, I would cut her off. Part of that was vindictive - but that was totally subconscious.

I don't remember feeling love.

The process is the most beautiful part.

Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind.