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.

[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.

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.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and tears are only rain to make love grow.

The role of the designer is basically that of a good host, anticipating the needs of the guest.

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.

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