I just have a lot off different influences.

I went through the whole number, you know. The swing era, the boogie woogie era, the bebop era. Thelonious Monk is still one of my favorites. So a lot of these people had their effect on me.

All the classic jazz players all sang and a lot of 'em sang blues.

Everybody cryin' mercy / When they don't know the meaning of the word.

The things that really matter don't mix with idle chatter.

Ever since the world ended, I don't go out as much

I have no idea what I'm doin'. I've never seen me.

I been getting good crowds. It only took 50 years.

I'm playin' music for a certain type of person. Fortunately, there are more and more of us. At least there are more comin' to see me than there were 30 years ago or so.

As far as I'm concerned, the essentials of jazz are: melodic improvisation, melodic invention, swing, and instrumental personality.

I never sit down and write. I just sorta let things form in my brain.

Be The Best Big Hearted Person You Can Be Without Being Stepped On By Others.So Even If Life Gives You A Bad Hand. At The Last Breath And Moment Of Your Life You Can Feel That Much More Complete.

dark say:berthenia bellenever forgetthe tongue hid name

Politicians will always be honest.To themselves!

I'll be one year younger having missed my birthday and my mirror confirms it; so what's wrong with that.

Art is not cozy and it is not mocked. Art tells the only truth that ultimately matters. It is the light by which human things can be mended. And after art there is, let me assure you all, nothing.

The future of rock belongs to women.

God gives me hope that there is something greater than us, something better and bigger than the here and now, that can help us live.

True feeling justifies whatever it may cost.

Hey, I put some new shoes on and suddenly everything is right.

Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity.