I would never try and play like Harry James, because I don't like his tone - for me. It's just white. You know what I mean? He has what we black trumpet players call a white sound. But it's for white music ... I can tell a white trumpet player, just listening to a record. There'll be something he'll do that'll let me know that he's white.

It's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play.

That's the way women do. The frown. They want to give you the attitude to approach them back, by giving you a negative vibe.

I can hear what I want [people] to play. If you don't hear what you want someone to play, then you can't tell 'em.

In music, silence is more important than sound.

I said to [Lionel] Richie, "Man, my wife says you must really respect women because you write such beautiful love songs."

Food makes my mind sluggish.