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

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 haven't stopped and I don't plan on stoppin' any time soon.

Life is a great grace.

When you're appeasing too much, you might be egotistically over-estimating everyone's need for your approval.

There are times when creation can be achieved only through destruction. The urge to destroy is then a creative urge.

To grow in your passion for what Jesus has done, increase your understanding of what He has done.

Well, The Dirty Dozen was like a vacation.

I was only glad to be saved and never once thought to ask why.

I don't curse on stage, but I feel like I curse more because I have kids and in front of my kids. Not intentionally.

Remember: everyone you meet is fighting a mighty battle. Be kind. Be understanding.

I could do all of my activities at Howard because it was an environment that had essentially rid the ideology of false choices that I feel absolutely constricts young black students.

Folklore is always changing and evolving for new audiences.