Music was invented to confirm human loneliness.

Music was invented to confirm human loneliness.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my read more

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.

Music makes one feel so romantic - at least it always gets on one's nerves - which is the same read more

Music makes one feel so romantic - at least it always gets on one's nerves - which is the same thing nowadays.

God is its author, and not man; he laid
The key-note of all harmonies; he planned
All read more

God is its author, and not man; he laid
The key-note of all harmonies; he planned
All perfect combinations, and he made
Us so that we could hear and understand.

No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music.

No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music.

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt read more

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt like de Kooning, who was asked to comment on a certain abstract painting, and answered in the negative. He was then told it was the work of a celebrated monkey. 'That's different. For a monkey, it's terrific.'

If music be the food of love, play on.

If music be the food of love, play on.

Giving jazz the Congressional seal of approval is a little like making Huck Finn an honorary Boy Scout.

Giving jazz the Congressional seal of approval is a little like making Huck Finn an honorary Boy Scout.

You know, all my songs are relatives, brothers, sisters, cousins.

You know, all my songs are relatives, brothers, sisters, cousins.