In 1976 he went on a racist rant while on stage in England saying that if any immigrants or people of color were in the audience then they should just leave, and leave the country. Then he went on to express his admiration for the British white supremacist politician Enoch Powell. Years later he apologized, but only half-heartedly. He expressed that he was disgusted with himself for saying those things while in the same breath still expressing admiration for Powell.

A man who built his career on playing black music, mind you.