Some of the guys I played with .. didn't go around learning more about their instruments from an intellectual point of view. All they wanted was to play hot jazz, and the instrument was just a means. I'd imagine that a lot of them criticized me-said my technique was too good. Something like that. But I've always wanted to know what made music. How you do it, and why it sounds good. I always practiced, worked like hell.
Benny GoodmanSometimes when you start losing detail, whether it's in music or in life, something as small as failing to be polite, you start to lose substance.
Benny GoodmanI remember Glenn Miller coming to me once, before he had his own band, saying, How do you do it? How do you get started? It's so difficult. I told him, I don't know but whatever you do don't stop. Just keep on going.
Benny GoodmanAfter you’ve done all the work and prepared as much as you can, what the hell, you might as well go out and have a good time.
Benny Goodman