I have been lucky that some critics joined the mob in loving something I've done, or in appreciating it. I've been lucky. But most of the critics don't like what the people like. I think they have a very strange job, and they are meant to criticize.

I usually start with the words. The rhythm of the words gives me the rhythm of the song, and then I look for the musical highlights in it to carry it.

Immortality is a by-product of good work. Masterpieces are not for artists, they're for critics. Critics can't even make music by rubbing their back legs together. My message to the world is 'Let's swing, sing, shout, make noise! Let's not mimic death before our time comes! Let's be wet and noisy!'

I was a soldier in WWII. The last couple of months of the war I was actually in combat.

I'm married to a beautiful and talented woman who can lift your spirits just by looking at you.

Humor is just another defense against the universe.

There's not enough bad taste! I LOVE bad taste! I live for bad taste! I am the spokesman for bad taste!