I allowed artists to play for as long as they felt they could justifiably continue to create.

When I was doing jazz concerts in America, I would use the biggest names I could find.

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

My function at Verve was that of a genuine producer in artists and repertoire.

There are very few groups that really stay together. The leaders of groups make enough money to be able to afford to work a maximum of 35-40 weeks a year.

Germany is probably the richest country in Western Europe. Yet they wouldn't take any television with Duke and Ella, their reaction being that people weren't interested in it.

If I were to put on Barbra Streisand and Duke Ellington, one might say the combination isn't good.