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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

An entire composition written in jazz could not live.