The extraordinary thing about my mother, she's so modest about me.

Jazz I regard as an American folk music; not the only one, but a very powerful one which is probably in the blood and feeling of the American people more than any other style of folk music.

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

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.

Not many composers have ideas. Far more of them know how to use strange instruments which do not require ideas.

Look at the piano. You'll notice that there are white notes and black notes. Figure out the difference between them and you'll be able to make whatever kind of music you want.

Life is a lot like jazz. It's best when you improvise.