“I think that the artists who don't get involved in preaching messages ...” — Nina Simone Quote

“I think that the artists who don't get involved in preaching messages probably are happier - but you see, I have to live with Nina, and that is very difficult.”

“What I was interested in was conveying an emotional message, which means using everything you've got inside you sometimes to barely make a note, or if you have to strain to sing, you sing.”

“I have to be composed; I have to be poised. I have to remember what my first piano teacher told me: 'You do not touch that piano until you are ready and until they are ready to listen to you.”

“Many artists give up after a while.”

“While some artists hunt for more groundbreaking ideas, A Hawk and a Hacksaw finds novelty in tradition, proving that what's new depends only on who's listening.”

“No shade to the other artists in Chicago... but if you got confidence in yourself and you know you're Number One, say it.”