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.

What makes my approach special is that I do different things. I do jazz, blues, country music and so forth. I do them all, like a good utility man.

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

Do it right or don't do it at all. That comes from my mom. If there's something I want to do, I'm one of those people that won't be satisfied until I get it done. If I'm trying to sing something and I can't get it, I'm going to keep at it until I get where I want it.

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

[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.

What I've got to live up to, is being myself. If I do that, the rest will take care of itself.