“When I was a young musician, the only option available to pursue secondary education in music was to attend a classical conservatory.”

“When I was 19, I made my first good week's pay as a club musician. It was enough money for me to quit my job at the factory and still pay the rent and buy some food. I freaked.”

“More than art, more than literature, music is universally accessible.”

“I've crashed my car three times.”

“The whole world loves American movies, blue jeans, jazz and rock and roll. It is probably a better way to get to know our country than by what politicians or airline commercials represent.”