Composers don't just sit in a room and write things that are in their heads, they actually listen to a lot of music, pop music, jazz, rock and roll, any combination of music that catches their ear.

I pick things up in different cities, so my wardrobe is kind of a souvenir chest.

I need to be able to play the music, and so I don't like to have intimidation be part of it.

I think that if people show up in jeans and chains, it's great that all parts of culture are interested in music. People forget sometimes that it's about the music, not how you act and dress.

I just want to work with people, so I always try to find a way to collaborate in the best way for the music.

The encore is the short piece after the program has finished, where the performer brings out something that the audience doesn't expect.

Writing is painting for the imagination!

Have I have played my part well in the comedy of life? If so, clap your hands and dismiss me from the stage with applause.

No matter what sort of adversity or challenge you might face, you can always believe that, with hope, it can be conquered and, in the end, you will be stronger for it.

There is something about men more capable of shaking despotic power than lightening, whirlwind, or earthquake, that is, the threatened indignation of the whole civilized world.

I'm kind of a jock. I sail, I ride a bike, I hike, I pump iron. I just love to be active.

If the world is turning, even the church can't stop it; if it isn't turning, nobody can go out and make it turn.

From the beginning, it has been a no-no for a black man to touch a white woman.

He who does not mortify his palate will neither know how to mortify his flesh.

Catch up with your past, before it catches up with you.

When you can't do nothing but pray-you've done a whole lot.