A singer starts by having his instrument as a gift from God . . . When you have been given something in a moment of grace, it is sacrilegious to be greedy."

Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.

"There are many persons ready to do what is right because in their hearts they know it is right. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the make the first move -- and he, in turn, waits for you."

"Sometimes you're overwhelmed when a thing comes, and you do not realize the magnitude of the affair at that moment. When you get away from it, you wonder, did it really happen to you."

"When I sing, I don't want them to see that my face is black; I don't want them to see that my face is white -- I want them to see my soul. And that is colorless."