Miles Davis was doing something inherently African, something that has to do with all forms of American music, not just jazz.

- Cassandra Wilson

There was a train that would come by our house every night, and I'd hear the whistle blow. That is the sweetest memory I have.

- Cassandra Wilson

Miles Davis was a master. In every phase of his career, he understood that this music was a tribute to the African muse.

- Cassandra Wilson

I cringed when I heard myself described as a Jazz singer. I've always thought of myself as a Jazz vocalist.

- Cassandra Wilson

I'm always looking for ways to develop as a Jazz artist, to find different ways of using my voice.

- Cassandra Wilson

I'm always imagining some sort of story behind the song, even the ones I haven't written. I'm actively engaging in playacting.

- Cassandra Wilson

My father had all kinds of instruments in the house that he would hide from my mother. He bought them through mail order!

- Cassandra Wilson

Being black, I'm involved in the reparations movement. It's focused toward the African-American audience. We could begin to heal.

- Cassandra Wilson

I was never interested in singing in the church or school. I was more interested in becoming a musician.

- Cassandra Wilson