It's easy to be independent when you've got money. But to be independent when you haven't got a thing -- that's the Lord's test.

My hands, my feet, I throw my whole body to say all that is within me.

Do you know most of the Jewish songs have the same trend of sadness as Negro spirituals?

Time is important to me because I want to sing long enough to leave a message. I'm used to singing in churches where nobody would dare stop me until the Lord arrives!

One thing about playing the real jazz is that you can't count it.

Gospel music rhythms are not African in origin, although I know that's what the jazz experts say.