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

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.

Sighted people, you gotta deal with them.

Goodbye don't mean gone.

There are many spokes on the wheel of life. First, we're here to explore new possibilities.

I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great.