I don't know what would have happened to me if I hadn't been able to hear.

Music is my life, professionally, for nearly 60 years. To be recognized by the academy is still the highest honor.

You never can overwhelm an instrument. You will never get out all that's in an instrument. An instrument will bring you to your limits.

I had to pawn my clothes just to pay my rent.

Goodbye don't mean gone.

I set my own rhythm, and I do believe it was usually a little faster than most other people's.

You ask me what I'd like to do that I haven't done and I say 'Nothin'!' I haven't any mountains to climb or oceans to swim. I've been an extremely blessed individual. ... I'm not clamorin' for more trinkets. If I were to die tomorrow, I could say I've had a good life.