If somebody don't like something that I do, that's his or her prerogative. Just like it's mine.

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

It's like Duke Ellington said, there are only two kinds of music - good and bad. And you can tell when something is good.

I never said I was a genius. I never said I was a cornerstone. I've never said I'm a legend in my own time. You never heard me say nothing like that.

I think that most great artists who are extremely known, as I am, would intimidate a lot of people. I don't want to do that to people, but I know I do.

The important thing is to feel your music, really feel it and believe it.

Other arms reach out to me, Other eyes smile tenderly, Still in peaceful dreams I see, The road leads back to you.