No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music.

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

There's no damn business like show business - you have to smile to keep from throwing up.

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 with anything. If you copy, it means you're working without any real feeling.