I don't have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I'd become. I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

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

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.

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.