Music sets up certain vibration which unquestionably results in a physical reaction. Eventually the proper vibration for every person will be found and utilized.

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.

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

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

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

Out of my entire annual output of songs, perhaps two, or at the most three, came as a result of inspiration. We can never rely on inspiration. When we most want it, it does not come.

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