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.

Wagner's music has some wonderful moments but awful half hours.

Wagner's music has some wonderful moments but awful half hours.

Life without music would be a mistake.

Life without music would be a mistake.

If you're a good singer, you're going to make anything sound good.

If you're a good singer, you're going to make anything sound good.

I'm not saying I wasn't flawed or amateurish. But you can never say I did anything to appease the music read more

I'm not saying I wasn't flawed or amateurish. But you can never say I did anything to appease the music business.

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

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

Sounds like the blues are composed of feeling, finesse, and fear.

Sounds like the blues are composed of feeling, finesse, and fear.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.

Difficult as it is really to listen to someone in affliction, it is just as difficult for him to know read more

Difficult as it is really to listen to someone in affliction, it is just as difficult for him to know that compassion is listening to him. - Waiting for God.