There's nothing written in the Bible, Old or New testament, that says, 'If you believe in Me, you ain't going to have no troubles.'

[On his heroin addiction:] I did it to myself. It wasn't society...it wasn't a pusher, it wasn't being blind or being black or being poor. It was all my doing.

I really feel that if you're gonna be good, you gotta practice... Practice whatever the hell you do.

My music had roots which I'd dug up from my own childhood, musical roots buried in the darkest soil.

Music to me is like breathing. I don't get tired of breathing, I don't get tired of music.

I set my own rhythm, and I do believe it was usually a little faster than most other people's.

Music is my life, professionally, for nearly 60 years. To be recognized by the academy is still the highest honor.