I want to sing like Aretha Franklin. Before her I wanted the technical ability of Ella Fitzgerald.

Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, it's just death.

Always be smarter than the people who hire you.

I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

The best thing about living... Is the chance to keep on doing it!

My identity is very clear to me now, I am a black woman.

Nobody black or white who really believes in democracy can stand aside now; everybody's got to stand up and be counted.

You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way.

You wouldn't be allowed to get on a particular bus, but you'd be asked to sign your autograph.

You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way. But the slanting process is so subtle that you frequently don't realize how you're being slanted until very late in the game.

I found out along the way that they like you a little imperfect.

He was afraid of defiling the love which filled his soul.

Beware of those who are too focused with polishing and beautifying their outer shells. They lack true substance to understand that genuine beauty is reflected from the heart that resides inside.

What avail is honour or a sword against a pen?

The success of any country relies on the commitment of its leaders to serve others.

If I had a place with a studio where I could paint I'd be happy.

Trying to gin up political violence for its electoral utility is - I think inarguably what we're seeing here. And I know that the Donald Trump campaign will not say that is what they're doing.

The act of bell ringing is symbolic of all proselytizing religions. It implies the pointless interference with the quiet of other people.

You smell like crap so I know you don't like soap.

You realize that trying to keep your distance from me will not lessen my affection for you. All efforts to save me from you will fail.

I'm a singer and as long as I can sing - which, thank God, is something that I still seem to be able to do - I'd like to carry on making records.