Everybody cryin' mercy / When they don't know the meaning of the word.

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.

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

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

Heartstorming takes you much further than your brainstorm can conceive.

Buds in the snow—the deadly fightbetween two birds

Age bothers everybody. I was never narcissistic about my looks, but people thought that I should be so therefore I was.

In all my songs, I take on roles and play characters. It's a unique way to explore ideas and decisions I might not think or make in real life.

I think one should express opinions and these books are relatively opinionated. They would be a bit dry without it.

Birds, birds, birds, I'm a Pet Shop Boy

I'll put it out there: I love getting hugs.

Every cleric must obey the Pope, even if he commands what is evil; for no one may judge the Pope.

It is equally a fault to believe all men or to believe none.

I had learned something of Miami from people who had visited there, so I knew what to expect.