The bandleader is a musician trying to sell a mass commodity; and in order to do so successfully he must accommodate himself to mass standards. Unless he can do this comfortably, sooner or later he is sunk.

If you wanna dance, a windshield wiper'll do it-all you need is a beat.

The distance between me and Benny [Goodman], was that I was trying to play a musical thing, and Benny was trying to swing. Benny had great fingers; I'd never deny that. But listen to our two versions of 'Star Dust.' I was playing; he was swinging.

If you don’t see the wonder in the most ordinary phenomenon, you’re not going to resonate very much.

I can't understand guys who just have to have your autograph. What do you do when you get home, take it out & look at it?

An artist should write for himself & not for an audience. If the audience likes it, great. If not, they can keep away.

You have no idea of the women I didn't marry.