American singer, pianist and civil rights activist whose music combined jazz, blues and classical traditions.
I found peace in music when the whole world was against me.
I am proud to be Black. My race, my people is my strength.
If you want to be heard, you must speak the truth. Truth is a weapon.
Music is a language that speaks to all hearts without words.
Freedom for us is still only a dream. When I sing, I sing about reality.
The artist must serve truth and justice.
Art is my life. I cannot separate my music from my feelings about society.