In order to play jazz, you have to be able to play the blues.

I realized I was tired of singing about trees and flowers. I wanted to sing about real life. From then on, nobody could tell me anything was better than blues.

Muddy Waters was, like, the king! He had a lot of adopted sons and daughters. I was just happy to be one of them.

Around midnight I heard them shout unfaithful one and I knew right then the axe was gonna fall. It's because of me.

I liked the Beatles because there was so much melody.

I don't see how anybody cannot be political in this day and age. There's so much going on and you have to be aware and you have to vote. Our lives are political.

All the blues greats took chances and developed their own style. They didn't copy.