I Had The First Integrated Army Band

I Wasn't Allowed To Play In Some Universities In The United States And Out Of Twenty-five Concerts, Twenty-three Were Canceled Unless I Would Substitute My Black Bass Player For My Old White Bass Player, Which I Wouldn't Do.

The Secret Of A Great Melody Is A Secret.

I Don't Think You Can Separate A Person's "style" And His Persona. If You're Writing Or Improvising Honestly, You Will Inevitably Reflect Who You Are.

Jazz Is About Freedom Within Discipline. Usually A Dictatorship Like In Russia And Germany Will Prevent Jazz From Being Played Because It Just Seemed To Represent Freedom, Democracy And The United States.

One Of The Reasons I Believe In Jazz Is That The Oneness Of Man Can Come Through The Rhythm Of Your Heart. It’s The Same Anyplace In The World, That Heartbeat. It’s The First Thing You Hear When You’re Born — Or Before You’re Born — And It’s The Last Thing You Hear.