They're singing your praises while stealing your phrases.

Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that's easy. What's hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.

I never heard my music played the way I heard it in my head.

I am Charles Mingus, half black man, not even white enough to pass for nothing but black. I am Charles Mingus, a famed jazzman, but not famed enough to make a living in this society.

I'm trying to play the truth of what I am. The reason it's difficult is because I'm changing all the time.

My music is evidence of my souls will to live.

If Charlie Parker were a Gunslinger, There'd be a Whole Lot of Dead Copycats

Jazz music is a language of the emotions.

Making the complicated simple is true creativity.

Bach is how buildings got taller. It's how we got to the moon.

The purpose of prayer is purification.

Sometimes the magic of life is beyond thought. It's the sparkle of intuition, of bringing your own personal energy into your music.

Shake off this downy sleep, death’s counterfeit, And look on death itself!

Hands up if you’re ready to do something you’ll regret this weekend. Go forth! You have my blessing.

Once upon a time, about 20 years ago, runners believed they didn't have to do anything but run

I think writing is a difficult thing and you need to suffer a little bit, even if it's just to sit there and think what an idiot you are and how anyone else could do this better than you can.

"This - is now my way - where is yours"? Thus did I answer those who asked me "the way". For the way - it does not exist!

Don't be scared...Women can handle the worst kind of pain. You'll find out one day.

My day-to-day look is inspired by comfort, color and just how I'm feeling that day.

I can't hate for long. It isn't worth it.