I don't disrespect the audience. I only sing very well-written, intelligent songs.

You can't teach it [jazz singing]. There's nobody who can teach you how to sing jazz. Either you know how to sing jazz, or you don't.

Just give a drum roll, announce my name & I come out & sing. I have a contract that says I'm a singer. So I sing.

Someday, when I'm awfully low, and the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight.

Don't try to be just like some other singer hitting it big - find your own style and be honest in your performances. And never underestimate your audience.

More than anybody else I’d like to thank Count Basie for teaching me how to perform.

I'm not the type of person who likes to look backwards. I've always felt compelled to move forward and I've never been one to dwell in the past. All the people I've met, all the places I've been, and all the things that I've done have simply been part of who I am.