Who said "I try to be diplomatic, but a spade is still a spade."?

This quote is attributed to Duke Ellington.

I try to be diplomatic, but a spade is still a spade. - Duke Ellington

"I try to be diplomatic, but a spade is still a spade."

Duke Ellington Truth

Jazz Composer Pianist American 1899–1974

"Music is my life, it's my soul, it's everything I do in this world."

"Do not fear mistakes. There are none."

"A wise man doesn't give the right answer, he poses the right question."

"There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind."

"Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!"

"You must always be honest with the people you love."

"Truth always comes out in the end."

"Honesty is always the best policy."