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