It sounds simple, of course, but personally I can think of no more mentally arduous task than making music.

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

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

What the hell do you want to work for somebody else for? Work for yourself!

I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.

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.

It is always possible to create something original.