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 think what we need is a more welcoming mode from the people who put on a hundred million country-western shows on television. How about a monthly jazz show?

One very important thing I learned from Monk was his complete dedication to music. That was his reason for being alive. Nothing else mattered except music, really.

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

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.

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