It's ill-becoming for an old broad to sing about how bad she wants it. But occasionally we do.

I want to sing like Aretha Franklin. Before her I wanted the technical ability of Ella Fitzgerald.

It's so nice to get flowers while you can still smell the fragrance.

Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, it's just death.

It is not the load that breaks you down; it's the way you carry it.

Malcolm X made me very strong at a time I needed to understand what I was angry about. He had peace in his heart. He exerted a big influence on me.