I used to sing like Nat King Cole. I mean he was the guy when I was comin' up, and you know, man, people used to say of me, "Damn, he sure do sound like Nat King Cole." But there was a day, and luckily for me it was early, when I woke up and asked myself, "Well, when are the ask me to sing because I sound like me?" So my advice is, never do anything that you don't like.

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

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

Sometimes my dreams are so deep that I dream that I'm dreaming.

Music is about the only thing left that people don't fight over.

I think that most great artists who are extremely known, as I am, would intimidate a lot of people. I don't want to do that to people, but I know I do.

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