I spent much of my prison time reading. I must have read over 200 large books, mostly fictional stories about the American pioneers, the Vikings, Mafia, etc. As long as I was engrossed in a book, I was not in prison. Reading was my escape. Votes: 15
By giving the public a rich and full melody, distinctly arranged and well played, all the time creating new tone colors and patterns, I feel we have a better chance of being successful. I want a kick to my band, but I don't want the rhythm to hog the spotlight. Votes: 5
Why do you judge me as a musician, John? All I'm interested in is making money. Votes: 5
I thought I had swell ideas, and wonderful musicians, but the hell of it, no one else did. Votes: 4
I haven't a great Jazz band and I don't want one. Votes: 3
I haven't a great jazz band, and I don't want one. Votes: 2
I haven't got a great jazz band and I don't want one. Some of the critics, Down Beat's among them, point their fingers at us and charge us with forsaking real jazz . . . It's all in what you define as 'real jazz.' It happens that to our ears harmony comes first. A dozen colored bands have a better beat than mine. Our band stresses harmony. Votes: 0
We can speak our honest minds without compromise and without censorship and to each other and to our people. We can take our message directly to our people. Votes: 0
We didn't come here to set any fashions in music. We merely came to bring a much-needed touch of home to some lads who have been here a couple of years. Votes: 0
We leaders are criticized for a lot of things. It's always true after a band gets up there and is recognized by the public. Votes: 0
A band ought to have a sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality. Votes: 0