I'm trying to play the truth of what I am. The reason it's difficult is because I'm changing all the time.
Charles MingusIn high school I was on the basketball team, but the coach did something I didn't dig and the next day he looked up and saw me practising with the football team.
Charles MingusWhatever coast he's on, a man should be himself. I don't write in any particular idiom, I write Charles Mingus.
Charles MingusOur nights didn't begin until after noon. Because in the old days, you'd start Birdland at 8:30 or 9 pm and play until 4 in the morning. Then you'd go out to the corner and talk to a couple of musicians - I used to talk to Oscar Pettiford a whole lot - you'd stand there till 7, 8 or 9, or else go down to the jam session at Minton's.
Charles Mingus