Duke Ellington

To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.

Life is like a piano: white keys are happy moments, black keys are sad moments, but as long as the pianist plays the melody, everything is fine.

Swing is so much more than a dance; it's a way of life.

The greatest thrill in the world is to end the show with a hit.

I don't believe in categories; I believe in music.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

Jazz is democracy in action.

The only regret I have is that I didn't start sooner.

Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.

Every man prays in his own language.

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.

Music is my mistress, and she has two beautiful daughters: melody and harmony.

I was born with music inside me; music was one of the reasons I was brought here.

The most important thing in life is to be yourself.

Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.

Success is not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success.

I don't need time; what I need is a deadline.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory.

To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.