A lot of the guys were like that - Oscar Pettiford - they just took me under their wing, and that's why I automatically help young people. I just love it, because they did that for me.

Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind.

I went with Lionel Hampton for three years. Out of that came a trip to Europe.

Not one ounce of my self worth depends on your acceptance of me.

Let's not get too full of ourselves. Let's leave space for God to come into the room.

You Make Your Mistakes To Learn How To Get To The Good Stuff

I learned real early why God gave us two ears and one mouth, because you're supposed to listen twice as much as you talk.

Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old shared a little of what he is good at doing.

The process is the most beautiful part.

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."

The only music I don't like is bad music.

Only if we understand our past, can we move forward to a brighter future.

Try not to complicate your life by attaching yourself in a circle of people who would dare to influence you to engage in self-destructive decisions and actions.

It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so.

Education is a slow moving but powerful force

The lover of silence draws close to God. He talks to Him in secret and God enlightens him.

Yes, I'm a Judeo-Christian. Jesus and Moses are in my heart. And both of them were independents, by the way.

Isn't it fitting that so many of those who have contempt for the private sector will soon find themselves back in it?

Act before you think - your instincts are more honest than your thoughts.

The reason I love comics more than anything else is that the longest story will be just a few pages. With a novel, it takes so many pages to get to one thing happening.