When jazz is played in another nation, it is called American. When it is played in another country, it sounds false. Jazz is the result of the energy stored up in America.

When I'm in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers.

Writing music is not so much inspiration as hard work.

Jazz is one of the best things that you can find in your life, it can always be your friend.

I frequently hear music in the heart of noise.

For suddenly, I saw you there And through foggy London town The sun was shining everywhere.

All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.