B. B. King

If you want to be a good blues singer, people are going to be down on you, so dress like you're going to the bank to borrow money. ”

I just wonder where I was when the talent was being given out, like George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Eric Clapton... oh, there's many more! I wouldn't want to be like them, you understand, but I'd like to be equal, if you will. ”

I don't feel that no big stone should be put over my head, saying he did this, he did that. Unless there's something that I really did do. I believe I'm just ordinary. And I'd like for people to think of me that way, as just a guy that tried. Wanted to be loved by other people because he loved people. ”

My wife Martha used to call me Ol' Lemon Face because of my facial contortions when I play Lucille. I squeeze my eyes and open my mouth, raise my eyebrows, cock my head and God knows what else. I look like I'm in torture, when in truth, I'm in ecstasy. I don't do it for show. Every fiber of my being is tingling. ”

Touring a segregated America - forever being stopped and harassed by white cops hurt you most 'cos you don't realise the damage. You hold it in. You feel empty, like someone reached in and pulled out your guts. You feel hurt and dirty, less than a person. ”

I've put up with more humiliation than I care to remember. ”

I've been married twice. Most women would rather not be married to a traveling blues singer. ”

I don't like anybody to be angry with me. I'd rather have friends. ”

I never met a woman I didn't like. I love 'em all, in their different ways. ”

Nobody loves me but my mother, and she could be jivin', too. ”