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

It took me three weeks to write the 'Rhapsody in Blue.' I had always wanted to write something blue and Paul Whiteman inspired.

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

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.

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

My people are Americans. My time is today.

All great composers of the past spent most of their time studying. Feeling alone won't do the job. A man also needs technique.