We were in the heart of the ghetto in Chicago during the Depression, and every block - it was probably the biggest black ghetto in America - every block also is the spawning ground practically for every gangster, black and white, in America too.

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."

All the jazz guys had interracial relationships, and even the ladies did. Over the years, interracial relationships have been a hip, almost defiant thing, a way of saying "Nobody can put a boundary around me."

I started imagining this whole different world. It was a society of musicians, a family I hoped I could belong to one day.

I don't deserve a Songwriters Hall of Fame Award. But fifteen years ago, I had a brain operation and I didn't deserve that, either. So I'll keep it.

You Make Your Mistakes To Learn How To Get To The Good Stuff

The only music I don't like is bad music.