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.

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.

My people are Americans. My time is today.

All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.

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