I was improvising before I was reading music. I was just trying to play things on the clarinet by ear. I think my ear is one of my greatest assets.

What we used to say was whoever had the bow tie got to lead the band. There was never any jealousy.

If I had grown up in any place but New Orleans, I don't think my career would have taken off. I wouldn't have heard the music that was around this town. There was so much going on when I was a kid.

If you're making money people don't think you're playing Jazz. When you're not making money they think you're a great Jazz musician.

The real problem is not the down time that you experience: it is what you do with it.

Bah-Bah-black sheep, have you any soul?No sir, by the way, what the hell are morals?

I do miss George Bush. Compared to these teabaggers and the people who are pandering to them, he looks like a professor.

It's a plastic surgeon you need, not a doctor

In conversation, everyone sits in confident judgment on the world.

Surrendering means cleansing yourself completely, getting completely detached. Detachment is the only way you can rise.

It is true, that men may have Christ whenever they are willing to comply with His terms. But if you are not willing now, how can you think you shall be willing hereafter?

Debra Winger doesn't let anything interfere with her performance, which is the way it should be

My wife tells me one day, 'I think you love baseball more than me.' I say, 'Well, I guess that's true, but hey, I love you more than football and hockey.'

How many ages hence Shall this our lofty scene be acted over In states unborn and accents yet unknown!