In her whole life Mom never earned more than five or six dollars a week. Being without a husband, it was hard for her to find any place at all for us to live.

Basically there is no difference between whites and blacks, browns and yellows. I decided to think no more of people as Northerners and Southerners.

Whenever I played Columbus, Ohio, I dropped in to see my close friend, a medium who had mysterious powers. Her Indian guide was Mohawk.

We are all gifted. That is our inheritance.

We never had a bathtub. Mom would bathe me in the wooden or tin washtub in the kitchen, or in a big lard can.

I am somebody cause God don't make no junk

Many people know how to criticize, but few know how to praise.

Only those who are being burned know what fire is like.

Today or any day that phone may ring and bring good news.

There was one emotional outlet my people always had when they had the blues. That was singing.

All the men in my life have been two things: an epic and an epidemic.

Persuading people through technology is the next social revolution. Facebook demonstrates just how powerful it will be.

To the question what wine he found pleasant to drink, he replied, "That for which other people pay."

When I think of the people I've worked with, all of them have great passion, and the passion is what keeps people inspired.

The parents have not only to train their children: it is of at least equal importance that they should train themselves.

Playboy offered me a lot to do their mag but I'm not even the sort to go topless on the beach.

I follow nature as the surest guide, and resign myself with implicit obedience to her sacred ordinances.

I am nobody but myself.

Something brushed his leg, and he gazed down into the face of Pippi Tucker. The theme from Jaws raced through his head.

Those who are silent, self-effacing and attentive become the recipients of confidences.

For what good turn? Messenger: For the best turn of the bed.