We have inherited a great music. This music is a holdover. It comes with us like the skin, the texture of our hair. It's our memory banks.

- Abbey Lincoln

I think that's what really a substantial work is, it's forever. It's the truth now and it was the truth then, and it will be the truth tomorrow.

- Abbey Lincoln

I was in New York, miserable because I was working supper clubs but I wasn't expressing myself. I was really unhappy with my life. I saw Max Roach ag…

- Abbey Lincoln

It's a spirit that was given me and the relationships and meeting all these great people, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong; through Max I met a lot of…

- Abbey Lincoln

The best thing you can do is to be a woman and stand before the world and speak your heart.

- Abbey Lincoln

I am the first instrument. I am the voice. I do not imitate other instruments. Other instruments imitate me.

- Abbey Lincoln

I don't have to lay on the couch and see a therapist because my therapist is in my paint brushes.

- Abbey Lincoln

But I've been there and done that. I'm not trying to prove anything to anybody, and if somebody wants me to come, if they can afford what I ask, it's…

- Abbey Lincoln

There are men and women still on the streets, and that's all they are saying Can you spare a quarter? I come from a crowd of people who were current …

- Abbey Lincoln