An entire composition written in jazz could not live.

Upper berth, lower berth, that's the difference between talent and genius.

I want to say at once that I frankly believe that Irving Berlin is the greatest songwriter that has ever lived.... His songs are exquisite cameos of perfection, and each one of them is as beautiful as its neighbor. Irving Berlin remains, I think, America's Schubert.

Writing music is not so much inspiration as hard work.

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

The European boys have small ideas but they sure know how to dress 'em up.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time.