Nat "King" Cole Quotes

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

I am an American citizen and feel I am entitled to the same rights as any other citizen. 
Nat King Cole 

I am famous because I am an African American jazz artist. 
Nat King Cole 

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

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

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. 
Nat King Cole 

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.. 
Nat King Cole 

I'm an interpreter of stories. When I perform it's like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories. 
Nat King Cole 

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

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. 
Nat King Cole 

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

Music is emotional, and you may catch a musician in a very unemotional mood or you may not be in the same frame of mind as the musician. So a critic will often say a musician is slipping. 
Nat King Cole 

Only time, education and plenty of good schooling will make anti-segregation work. 
Nat King Cole 

Primarily I'm a meat man, although once in a while I toy with a few vegetables. 
Nat King Cole 

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

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