A lot of the guys were like that - Oscar Pettiford - they just took me under their wing, and that's why I automatically help young people. I just love it, because they did that for me.

Jazz has the power to make men forget their differences and come together... Jazz is the personification of transforming overwhelmingly negative circumstances into freedom, friendship, hope, and dignity.

Every day you must be able to say, I have to get up because I'm needed by someone. As long as you have that, you're healthy.

Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old shared a little of what he is good at doing.

I was the most subtle person in the world.

When you're over the hill, that's when you pick up speed.

The process is the most beautiful part.