I did the Ed Sullivan show four times. I did the Steve Allen show. I did the Jackie Gleason show.
When things go wrong, don’t go with them.
You’ve got to follow that dream, wherever that dream may lead.
Talent is being able to sell what you’re feeling.
I feel so alone sometimes. The night is quiet for me. I’d love to be able to sleep. I’ll probably not rest. I have no need for all this. Help me, Lord.
When I first saw you with your smile so tender, my heart was captured, my soul surrendered.
I get tired of playing a guy who gets into a fight, then starts singing to the guy he’s just beat up.
My fans want my shirt. They can have my shirt. They put it on my back.
Take care of the fans and they will sure as hell take care of you.
There’s no such thing as an original sin.
Tomorrow will be too late, it’s now or never.
I can’t sing very well but I’d like to try.
Since I was two years old, all I knew was gospel music. That music became such a part of my life it was as natural as dancing. A way to escape from the problems. And my way of release.
A lot of people seem to think I started this business. But rock ‘n’ roll was here a long time before I came along. Nobody can sing that kind of music like colored people. Let’s face it: I can’t sing like Fats Domino can. I know that.
Since my baby left me, I’ve found a new place to dwell, down at the end of Lonely Street at Heartbreak Hotel.
The only thing worse than watching a bad movie is being in one.
I think most people have a natural instinct to rebel.
All I want is to know the truth, to know and experience God. I’m a searcher, that’s what I’m all about.
I am not the King. Jesus Christ is the King. I’m just an entertainer.
Everything is so dreamy when you are young. After you grow up it kind of becomes – just real.
It’s all a big hoax, honey. I never wrote a song in my life. I get one-third of the credit for recording it. It makes me look smarter than I am. I’ve never even had an idea for a song. Just once, mybe.