Billie Holiday

You can't copy anybody and end with anything. If you copy, it means you're working without any real feeling. No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music.
- Billie Holiday

You've got to have something to eat, and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body's sermon on how to behave.
- Billie Holiday

You can be up to your boobies in white satin, with gardenias in your hair and no sugar cane for miles, but you can still be working on a plantation.
- Billie Holiday

In this country, don’t forget, a habit is no damn private hell. There’s no solitary confinement outside of jail. A habit is hell for those you love. And in this country it’s the worst kind of hell for those who love you.
- Billie Holiday, Lady Sings the Blues

If I'm going to sing like someone else, then I don't need to sing at all.
- Billie Holiday

Singing songs like the 'The Man I Love' or 'Porgy' is no more work than sitting down and eating Chinese roast duck, and I love roast duck.
- Billie Holiday, Lady Sings the Blues

Don't threaten me with love, baby. Let's just go walking in the rain.
- Billie Holiday