When you are through with the blues, you've got nothing to rest on.

Blues are the songs of despair, but gospel songs are the songs of hope.

Anybody singing the blues is in a deep pit yelling for help.

It is 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.

Baby, black promoters oppressed me before white promoters ever got hold of me. Don't talk skin to me.

You're blessed if you have the strength to work.