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

There’s nothing in the world worse than having an opportunity that you’re not prepared for. Good luck usually follows the collision of opportunity and preparation - it’s a result of that collision. You’ve got to be prepared. So, make your mistakes now and make them quickly. If you’ve made the mistakes, you know what to expect the next time. That’s how you become valuable.

There's power in the collective. If you don't believe me, just watch a symphony orchestra with a conductor and 120 people who are thinking about exactly the same thing at the same moment - no babies, no stock markets, no mortgages. Just 32nd notes.

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

It's the attitude about life, man. Looking at the light instead of the dark. Looking at love instead of fear.

I was the most subtle person in the world.

You cannot get an A if you're afraid of getting an F.