It's something that - jazz is one of the few things that you can go and listen to, I don't care where you're from, what you are, what background you come from - there's something there for you.

Because the stuff that they feed kids now, they'll have a bunch of idiots in the next millennium as far as art and culture is concerned.

The Japanese actually approach the music on a high level. It's always been on a high level.

You know the drum was the first instrument besides the human voice.

If I couldn't do it, then I'd be defeated. I've got the tools to do it. I never did question my tools.

If somebody would come and they're not playing music, they would encounter certain people on another level.

Jazz needs the help. It's the more sophisticated music. All the other music is on the TV, but jazz isn't.

The French - they like jazz, theyve been on jazz a long time.

Theres so much beautiful music in the world, and the kids are getting robbed.

I might have played a little bit more in Europe than I have in Japan.

I enjoy seeing young people being interested in what they can do.

And right action is freedom from past and future also.For most of us, this is the aim never to be realized. Who are only undefeated because we have gone on trying. "The Dry Salvages

Let's hope I never end up on a deserted island, because I could never make a decision on which three CDs to take with me.

If you don't want to work you have to work to earn enough money so that you won't have to work.

My style icon has always been my mom. I feel like she was always sophisticated and effortless and looked really well put together without trying too hard.

And look, I was a big, brassy guy who won and won big. I did what I wanted.

It is dangerous for a ruler to trust others. He who trusts others can be manipulated by others.

Independence cannot be real if a nation depends upon gifts.

I always thought I was funny, but I was very sensitive, and very provocative just to get a rise out of people.

I never cease to wonder at the amazing presumption of much of white society, assuming that they have the right to bargain with the Negro for his freedom.

Through the years I've found that I prefer live playing to recording. I still do lots of recording - but I treasure the live shows.