Some kids in Italy call me 'Mama Jazz; I thought that was so cute. As long as they don't call me 'Grandma Jazz.'.

When I'm on stage I feel at home.

Coming through the years, and finding that I not only have just the fans of my day, but the young ones of today - that's what it means, it means it w….

I used to be very self-conscious. I used to wish I was pretty. My cousin Georgia always taught me that if you smile, people will like you. Sometimes ….

What everyone wants more than anything else is to be loved..

Nobody else even approaches the trumpet like [Sweets Edison] does: Never too much and always plenty. He's the greatest trumpet player to play along w….

Music is the universal language ... it brings people closer together..

I don't want to say the wrong thing, which I always do. I think I do better when I sing..

I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt … she personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do ….

I guess what everyone wants more than anything else is to be loved. And to know that you loved me for my singing is too much for me. Forgive me if I ….

You take romance - I'll take Jell-O..

Once, when we were playing at the Apollo Theater, Holiday was working a block away at the Harlem Opera House. Some of us went over between shows to c….

Everybody wants to know about my style and how it came about. It's no big secret. It's the way I feel..

I've had some wonderful love affairs and some that didn't work out. I don't want to dwell on that and I don't want to put people down, but I think al….

I know I'm no glamour girl, and it's not easy for me to get up in front of a crowd of people. It used to bother me a lot, but now I've got it figured….

Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do..

Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong..

Blue skies Smiling at me Nothing but blue skies Do I see.

The only thing better than singing is more singing..

I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns..

It isn't where you came from, its where you're going that counts..