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

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

I never said I was a genius. I never said I was a cornerstone. I've never said I'm a legend in my own time. You never heard me say nothing like that.

I'd like to think that when I sing a song, I can let you know all about the heartbreak, struggle, lies and kicks in the ass I've gotten over the years for being black and everything else, without actually saying a word about it.

Art Tatum -- he was a genius. And Einstein, not me.

Affluence separates people. Poverty knits 'em together. You got some sugar and I don't; I borrow some of yours. Next month you might not have any flour; well, I'll give you some of mine.

I was born with music inside me. That's the only explanation I know of