You can’t copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you’re working without any real feeling. No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music...

In this country, don’t forget, a habit is no damn private hell. There’s no solitary confinement outside of jail. A habit is hell for those you love. And in this country it’s the worst kind...

Dope never helped anybody sing better or play music better or do anything better. All dope can do for you is kill you – and kill you the long, slow, hard way. And it can...

You’ve got to have something to eat, and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body’s sermon on how to behave.

If I’m going to sing like someone else, then I don’t need to sing at all.