We really were a very musical family. In spite of the fact that we were so poor when I was a youngster that supper was often just a bowl of bread and milk, Father somehow managed to squeeze out enough pennies to buy us a small pump organ, and I just loved this instrument too.

I just wrote a book, but don't go out and buy it yet, because I don't think it's finished yet.

My first appearance, the first time I try anything, invariably is not very successful. I tend to grow slowly, but solidly.

When my parents first arrived there, North Dakota had just been admitted to the Union, and the country was still wild and harsh.

Duke Ellington was famous for hs very original harmonic patterns.

Dreams do come true, even for someone who couldn't speak English and never had a music lesson or much of an education.

If you put all your strength and faith and vigor into a job and try to do the best you can, the money will come.