Duke Ellington

The most important thing I have learned is that the audience is always right.

A good musician is a good musician, whether he's playing jazz or classical.

I never had a problem with critics. I just don't read them.

My music is the spiritual expression of what I am.

I don't have to be a genius to know that I'm not a genius.

The piano is a monster that you have to tame.

I don't like to be put in a box. I like to be in a room with a lot of doors.

My music is a reflection of my life, and my life is a reflection of my music.

I'm not a composer. I'm a writer of music.

The blues are a feeling, not a color.

I don't want to be a legend. I just want to be a good musician.

My music is my autobiography.

The best way to get to know me is through my music.

I'm not a genius. I'm just a hard worker.

The only thing I like better than talking about music is playing it.

I don't play jazz. I play American music.

My music is a conversation with the world.

I don't have a favorite song. They're all my children.

The blues is a tonic for whatever ails you.

I'm not a perfectionist. I'm a realist.