I don’t think I ever sing the same way twice. The blues is sort of a mixed-up thing. You just have to feel it. Anything I do sing is part of my life.
I’ve been told that nobody sings the word ‘hunger’ like I do.
If I don’t have friends, then I ain’t got nothing.
You’ve got to have something to eat and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body’s sermon on how to behave.
There’s no damn business like show business – you have to smile to keep from throwing up.
I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That’s all I know.
I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That’s all I know
A kiss that is never tasted, is forever and ever wasted.
Love is like a faucet, it turns off and on.
Don’t threaten me with love, baby. Let’s just go walking in the rain.
No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.
You can’t copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you’re working without any real feeling.
Somebody once said we never know what is enough until we know what’s more than enough.
I never hurt nobody but myself and that’s nobody’s business but my own.
If I’m going to sing like someone else, then I don’t need to sing at all.
When you sing, always tell the truth.
If I’m going to sing like someone else, then I don’t need to sing at all
You can’t copy anybody and end up with anything. If you copy, you’re working without any real feeling.
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.
I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids. I started working when I was 6 years old.
I’m always making a comeback but nobody ever tells me where I’ve been.
