I never felt I belonged. I was always an outsider.

I never was coddled, or liked, or understood by my family.

There was one emotional outlet my people always had when they had the blues. That was singing.

Mom never quit on me. My only regret is that she didn't live long enough to share some of the money and comforts my work in show business has brought me.

We never had a bathtub. Mom would bathe me in the wooden or tin washtub in the kitchen, or in a big lard can.

I had never had a deep sense of belonging anywhere. I always felt I was an outsider.