I believed in studying just because I knew education was a privilege. It was the discipline of study, to get into the habit of doing something that you don't want to do.

Jazz is not just 'Well, man, this is what I feel like playing.' It's a very structured thing that comes down from a tradition and requires a lot of thought and study.

it ain't as hard as picking cotton

Jazz is democracy in music.

We looked up to our father. He still is much greater than us.

The blues. It runs through all American music. Somebody bending the note. The other is the two-beat groove. It's in New Orleans music, it's in jazz, it's in country music, it's in gospel.

Many a revolution started with the actions of a few. Only 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. A few hanging together can lead a nation to change.

What I really have in my head, my imagination, my understanding of music, I never really get that out.

Through first-class education, a generation marches down the long uncertain road of the future with confidence.

There are forces all around you who wish to exploit division, rob you of your freedom, and tell you what to think. But young folks can rekindle the weary spirit of a slumbering nation.

When a man strikes another man, he better have a good reason. There is never a good reason for a man to strike a woman.

For me writing biographies is impossible, unless they are brief and concise, and these are, I feel, the most eloquent.

I feel very open with people, and I'm good at disarming them and having conversations.

Anger doesn't win games.

There is nothing like a fine Italian sound.

Faith alone is the sun of life.

A sincere compliment is always grateful to a lady, so long as you don't try to knock her down with it.

Too often, contemning the external order as unspiritual, [the Puritan] has made it, and ultimately himself, less spiritual by reason of his contempt.

The reason it seems that price is all your customers care about is that you haven't given them anything else to care about.

To write is to inform against others.