A lot of times I wish I would have learned to read music, but I'm very impatient.

I came in with a completely new perspective. I would write songs and they would pick tunes they felt were in the Purple vein.

How do you stop somebody from growing?

When I got to LA and was with the James Gang, I got the opportunity to write a lot, to play in front of large audiences, make some money.

Blues teaches you to develop coherent solos, because the form you're playing over is so basic. You have to develop leads that go someplace.

I can't see. I used to wear glasses off stage. Now I'm thinking of getting a pair of contract lenses.

I used to try and take things in leaps and bounds. Now I've realized it's got to be step by step.