I can't stand to sing the same song the same way two nights in succession. If you can, then it ain't music, it's close order drill, or exercise or yodeling or something, not music.

If you copy, it means you're working without any real feeling. No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music.

Somebody once said we never know what is enough until we know what's more than enough.

The difficult I'll do right now. The impossible will take a little while.

You can be up to your boobies in white satin, with gardenias in your hair and no sugar cane for miles, but you can still be working on a plantation.

I don't think I'm singing. I feel like I'm playing a horn...What comes out is what I feel.

Don't threaten me with love, baby. Let's just go walking in the rain.

I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids. I started working when I was six years old.

Dope never helped anybody sing better or play music better or do anything better. All dope can do for you is kill you - and kill you the long, slow, hard way.

People don't understand the kind of fight it takes to record what you want to record the way you want to record it.

I never hurt nobody but myself and that's nobody's business but my own.

The goal is essential to getting what you would like." ##

There is nothing humble about this woman.

When we feel that all eyes are upon on us, it is often difficultto take chances in expressing our individuality.

As to the charge that I am a cranky old man, I plead guilty.

Doing good is the only certainly happy action of a man's life.

Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do!

The adult works to improve his environment while the child works to improve himself.

Wisest is he who knows what he does not know.

Picking your favourite look is like picking your favourite child! I get so emotionally attached to each one.

Nature turns all malfaisance to good.