The history of all big jazz bands shows was, first they played for dancing, and then they played for singing.

Jazz is America's own. It is played and listened to by all peoples - in harmony together. Pigmentation differences have no place... as in genuine democracy, only performance counts.

The whole reason for Jazz at the Philharmonic was to take it to places where I could break down segregation.

I'm talking as a professional impresario. I'm not judging anybody at all.

My juices needed restoring. I needed a sabbatical from the record business.

For years, Jazz At The Philharmonic albums were the only ones of their kind.

I made it easier for many artists to play in certain areas.