Since the age of 12, all my musical thinking has been influenced by Afro-American music.

Since the age of 12, all my musical thinking has been influenced by Afro-American music.

In 1940 I came across a record by Jimmy Yancey. I can't say how important that record is. From then on, all I wanted to do was play the blues.

When I reflect on how things have changed, I can't help but laugh.

I wanted to be able to play guitar. I wanted to be able to make music hurt.

In those days, between the ages of 12 and 18 you meant nothing. You were the extra place at the side table if someone came to dinner. You were of no interest to anyone.

I can't explain why one wants to pass a particular sort of pain onto other people, but you do.