The climate in the '50s and '60s for black performers or black people in the entertainment business was atrocious. It was atrocious.

Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind.

I went with Lionel Hampton for three years. Out of that came a trip to Europe.

Not one ounce of my self worth depends on your acceptance of me.

Let's not get too full of ourselves. Let's leave space for God to come into the room.

You Make Your Mistakes To Learn How To Get To The Good Stuff

I learned real early why God gave us two ears and one mouth, because you're supposed to listen twice as much as you talk.

Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old shared a little of what he is good at doing.

The process is the most beautiful part.

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."

The only music I don't like is bad music.

With good parody, you have to be smarter that the people you’re parodying.

Who covets more is evermore a slave.

I don't think about financial success as the measurement of my success.

God is just waiting for you to turn your face back toward Him. You've not gone too far!

I know there's life after the Olympics.

Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!

I've withdrawn many times. Part of me is a monk, and part a performing flea! The fear in the music business is that you don't exist if you're not at Xenon with Andy Warhol.

I have no urge to go back to college.

The soul refuses limits and always affirms an optimism, never a pessimism.

Love is just a hole in the wall.