I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing.

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing.

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.'

I've always felt rock and roll was very, very wholesome music.

I've always felt rock and roll was very, very wholesome music.

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent

I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to read more

I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

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.

Life without music would be a mistake.

Life without music would be a mistake.

Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.

Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.