You've got to appreciate the things that come from the art of the Negro and from the heart of the man farthest down.

Nature was my kindergarten.

I hate to see the evening sun go down.

Setting my mind on a musical instrument was like falling in love. All the world seemed bright and changed.

I think America concedes that true American music has sprung from the Negro.

The blues - the sound of a sinner on revival day.

I knew the whistle of each of the river boats on the Tennessee.