I, of course, wanted to play real jazz. When we played pop tunes, and naturally we had to, I wanted those pops to kick! Not loud and fast, understand, but smoothly and with a definite punch.

If you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night!

Learn to deal with the valleys and the hills will take care of themselves.

I just think swing is a matter of some good things put together that you can really pat your foot by. I can't define it beyond that.

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, 'Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here.'

All I wanted was to be big, to be in show business and to travel ... and that's what I've been doing all my life.

If you play a tune and a person don't tap their feet, don't play the tune.