The first choral music I remember hearing was Handel's 'Messiah' when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast it over the radio.

I never wanted this kind of life that Im still living.

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

Damn it, when I'm bombastic, I have my reasons. I want to be bombastic-take it or leave it.

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

I wanted to be like my father, who was a cattle man and a rodeo roper. And that was - he was my hero, and I wanted to be more like him.

Many people don't understand how disciplined you have to be to play jazz... And that is really the idea of democracy - freedom within the Constitution or discipline. You don't just get out there and do anything you want.