Society wants to categorize everything, but to me it's all African-American music.

I get a wave of pride in America when I look back at what we've accomplished in the field of music.

People are going to wake up to this great reservoir of music we've created in America - cakewalks, one-steps, boogie-woogie, country and western. I had a bit to do with one of those traditions.

Genetically, I'm pure Greek. Psychologically, environmentally, culturally, by choice, I'm a member of the black community.

When I got near teen age, I was so happy with my friends and the African American culture that I couldn't imagine not being part of it.

I'm not suggesting our music is the only music, but I am suggesting that there are certain elements in America's culture that are so precious that it would be a shame for them to go down the drain.

When I got near teen age, I was so happy with my friends and the African-American culture that I couldn't imagine not being part of it.

I am more than less, but less than worthy. Worthy to be heard, but heard in silence

Every birthday celebrates a life because every life is important.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!

War is not an adventure. It is a disease. It is like typhus.

I don't enjoy movies in 3D. I find I can't engage with the story as well.

I was totally involved in Bobby's World from the time we started the idea to sitting with the artists on how he would look, to the script meetings, the music, the lyrics, the songs.

You are like fireworks. You go out into your children, your friends, your society, and the whole world.

A girl who is really pretty - whether she wraps herself in an abayah, a nun's habit, or the front hall rug - never wraps herself so that the world can't tell.

I never thought people would buy the soundtrack [to Twilight]. So, it's a little more nerve-wracking now. I don't know.

Sadism is all right in its place, but it should be directed to proper ends.