I still continue to do at least four concert tours a year, and in many cases, as many as six.

I don't know who's 18 years old today that, 20 years hence, is going to be a jazz fan.

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

Ellington is a writer and arranger, as well as a musician and leader. He does movie sound tracks.

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

I'm concerned with trend. I don't know where jazz fans will come from 20 years from now.

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.