My version of 'Georgia' became the state song of Georgia. That was a big thing for me, man. It really touched me. Here is a state that used to lynch people like me suddenly declaring my version of a song as its state song. That is touching.

Many times during auditions, I was told that I couldn't carry a note with a bucket, and that I sure couldn't play the piano.

Love is a special word, and I use it only when I mean it. You say the word too much and it becomes cheap.

I had to pawn my clothes just to pay my rent.

Hit the road Jack, don'tcha come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road Jack, don'tcha come back no more.

I can't help what I sound like. What I sound like is what i am. You know? I cannot be anything other that what I am.

All my life I've always been so blue, born to lose, and now I'm losing you.