Every city I go to is an opportunity to paint, whether it's Omaha or Hawaii.

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

I've been so fortunate because I never really had ups and downs as far as my career. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I've been sold out all over the world.

Every city I go to is an opportunity to paint, whether it's Omaha or Hawaii.

There's always something every night that I learn from reacting to what the audience is reacting to. You learn what to leave out, what to put in, if you need a little more comedy or more drama.

It's really quite a situation. It's ridiculous. I make $200,000, $300,000 a night. For years I was working little dives, and if I got $700 a week, I'd say, "Wow, I'm really cooking.

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