Nat King Cole

The whites come to applaud a Negro performer just like the colored do. When you've got the respect of white and colored, you can ease a lot of things.

The only sport I'm not interested in is horse racing. That's because I don't know the horses personally.

The only prejudice I've found anywhere in TV is in some advertising agencies, and there isn't so much prejudice as just fear.

If I could read it, I could play it.

I make no claim to being a business genius. You can make so much money in this business that it loses its value.

I can't bear to see myself even in movies. The feeling is complex. I can't stand the sight of myself.

For years the Trio did nothing but play for musicians and other hip people. We practically starved to death.

Critics don't buy records. They get 'em free.

I often wonder whether Negroes like myself who are pretty well known help out at all in breaking down barriers.

It's not the people in the South who create racial problems - it's the people who are governing.

I'm in the music business for one purpose - to make money.

I'm a musician at heart, I know I'm not really a singer. I couldn't compete with real singers. But I sing because the public buys it.

You've got to change with the public's taste.

Get me well so I can get on television and tell people to stop smoking.

I'm not playing for other musicians. We're trying to reach the guy who works all day and wants to spend a buck at night. We'll keep him happy.

I was a guinea pig for some hoodlums who thought they could hurt me and frighten me and keep other Negro entertainers from the South.

The sheriff is at the cash register, and if I don't get a hit soon, I don't know what I'll do.

I'm proud of our court. It knocks back a lot of the propaganda the Communists put out about the way America treats her Negroes.

I may be helping to bring harmony between people through my music.

The Supreme Court is having a hard time integrating schools. What chance do I have to integrate audiences?