The only new technology that interests me is when it sort of throws me back soundwise. And I can think, "Wow, that means I can go onstage and sound like Scotty Moore now and again!"

George Jones is a national treasure and should be treated accordingly. A unique style so often emulated even inadvertently.

Fame has killed more very talented guys than drugs. Jimi Hendrix didn't die of an overdose, he died of fame.

I'm all for a quiet life. I just didn't get one.

What Muddy Waters did for us is what we should do for others. It's the old thing, what you want written on your tombstone as a musician: 'He passed it on.'

If you don't know the blues... there's no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.

A painter's got a canvas. The writer's got reams of empty paper. A musician has silence.