I think the idea is now for blacks to write about the history of our music. It's time for that, because whites have been doing it all the time. It's time for us to do it ourselves and tell it like it is.

Miles got a mystique about him-plus he's at the top of his profession. And he's got way, way, way more money.

When I grow up I want to be just like Benny Carter!

You can't steal a gift. Bird [Charlie Parker] gave the world his music, and if you can hear it you can have it.

I'd like to play for you one of my compositions, my only composition.

I know all the Latin-American rhythms quite well, but I don't play them exactly like they do in their own country - I add my personal touch.

There are a lot of great players... a lot of great players around, but Louie Bellson is really something special.