Most of the international acceptance of jazz education can be traced to the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, and the wonderful program they inaugurated.

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

My own Brubeck Institute in California is turning out fantastic young jazz players, and I know great things will happen.

I'm always hoping for the nights that are inspired where you almost have an out of body experience

Jazz isn't dead yet. It's the underpinning of everything in this country. Whether it's a Broadway show, or fusion, or right on through classical music, if it's coming out of the U.S., it's not going to survive unless it's got some jazz influence.

Jazz stands for freedom. It's supposed to be the voice of freedom: Get out there and improvise, and take chances, and don't be a perfectionist - leave that to the classical musicians.

Kinship doesn't come from skin color. It's in your soul and your mind.