When I got near teen age, I was so happy with my friends and the African American culture that I couldn't imagine not being part of it.

I get a wave of pride in America when I look back at what we've accomplished in the field of music.

People are going to wake up to this great reservoir of music we've created in America - cakewalks, one-steps, boogie-woogie, country and western. I had a bit to do with one of those traditions.

Genetically, I'm pure Greek. Psychologically, environmentally, culturally, by choice, I'm a member of the black community.

Society wants to categorize everything, but to me it's all African-American music.

I'm not suggesting our music is the only music, but I am suggesting that there are certain elements in America's culture that are so precious that it would be a shame for them to go down the drain.

When I got near teen age, I was so happy with my friends and the African-American culture that I couldn't imagine not being part of it.

Thankfully failure was a better teacher than success

How can we live our lives without God?

And where there is ignorance, there is also want of learning and instruction in essentials.

When you don't have a job (requiring reading) and you are doing your own reading you've got deep psychological questions. As deep as those of a little boy.

The body is an instrument which only gives off music when it is used as a body. Always an orchestra, and just as music traverses walls, so sensuality traverses the body and reaches up to ecstasy.

Terrorism is an evil that threatens all the countries in Europe. Vigorous cooperation in the European Union and worldwide is crucial in order to meet this evil head on.

Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully?

Failure is just a few seconds away from success.

The security of the Nation is not at the ramparts alone. Security also lies in the value of our free institutions.

My studies are important to me. I made the honor role just recently, with 2 A's and 2 B's.