Duke Ellington

The piano is a percussion instrument.

I'm not interested in being famous. I'm interested in making music.

I don't write music. I write sounds.

My music is a journey, not a destination.

I'm not a composer. I'm a painter with sound.

I never practice. I just play.

I'm not trying to be original. I'm just trying to be myself.

I'm not afraid of death. I'm afraid of not living.

I'm not a religious man, but I believe in God.

I'm not a politician. I'm a musician.

I'm not a teacher. I'm a learner.

I'm not a leader. I'm a follower of the music.

I'm not a star. I'm a constellation.

I'm not a legend. I'm a human being.

I'm not a god. I'm a man.

I'm not a saint. I'm a sinner.

I'm not a hero. I'm just a guy who plays the piano.

I don't need a vacation. I just need a new piano.

I merely took the energy it takes to pout and instead I wrote some blues.

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.