The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies read more

The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure that one note follows another . . . and leaves us with the feeling that something is right in the world.

Composers shouldn't think too much - it interferes with their plagiarism.

Composers shouldn't think too much - it interferes with their plagiarism.

It's a marvelous feeling when someone says "I want to do this song of yours" because they've connected to it. read more

It's a marvelous feeling when someone says "I want to do this song of yours" because they've connected to it. That's what I'm after.

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing.

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my read more

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.

My music fights against the system that teaches to live and die.

My music fights against the system that teaches to live and die.

A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.

A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.

Everywhere in the world, music enhances a hall, with one exception: Carnegie Hall enhances the music.

Everywhere in the world, music enhances a hall, with one exception: Carnegie Hall enhances the music.

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent