The reality for me is simple. When music is written, it is usually categorized as classical. When it is improvised, it can still be called classical if it is an inspired improvisation. In either category, it is still music, and it can be good or bad or simply mediocre.

We don't know the power that's within our own bodies

Jazz stands for freedom.

I had the first integrated Army band in World War II.

Don't be a perfectionist... leave that to the classical musicians.

You could play probably a span of 50 years of me playing St. Louis Blues, and most of the time it will be different every time.

I’m beginning to understand myself. But it would have been great to be able to understand myself when I was 20 rather than when I was 82.