America is deeply rooted in Negro culture: its colloquialisms; its humor; its music.

I'm fortunate that I'm making a living at it now because I'm not equipped to do anything else.

Even the most jingoistic person would have to admit that even American cultural music comes from Europe. That's what classical music is, real European music.

I guess I'm fortunate that I'm still around and I emphasize 'I guess', because you never can tell what musicians would be playing had they been around as long as I have.

There have been many great musicians that, Clifford Brown is one great example, I mean he died very early, 25.

I think music should be judged on what it is. It should be very high and above everything else. It is a beautiful way of bringing people together, a little bit of an oasis in this messed-up world.

I think as long as people are around and can hear a record and hear people like Lester Young on a recording, there will always be a great inspiration for somebody to try to create jazz.