Billie Holiday

When you sing, always tell the truth.

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

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.

I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That’s all I know.

I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids. I started working when I was 6 years old.

Music allows the great opportunity to play with people you love.

I kind of hate the fact that people are always trying to put you into a category. I hate walls, and I hate boundaries. I don’t like that. I listen to everything.

I have music inside me and I’m very lucky to be able to play music and that’s the way that I try to do it.

Technique is the ability to translate your ideas into sound through your instrument.

I wasn’t so interested in being paid. I wanted to be heard. That’s why I’m broke.

For years the trio did nothing but play for musicians and other hip people. We starved.

I have always seen Jazz as innovative.

The boppers flat their fifths. We consume ours.

The first time I went to Paris, it just felt like I was home. I didn’t question it.

I worked until I could play and do changes at any tempo in any key and said ‘What else is there?’ Now I’m finding out.

You just sort of have to play the way you are.

[on Prince] I learned about music that didn’t have any barriers or any kind of, like, containment. I learned about wild, crazy topics and ways to express yourself that had never been written in quite that way before. I learned that a human being could be able to defy all stereotypes, and be the epitome of badassness.

Your horn is your passport to the world.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.

Men have died for this music. You can’t get more serious than that.