Be a number one yourself. And not a number two somebody else.
DUKE ELLINGTONBe a number one yourself. And not a number two somebody else.
DUKE ELLINGTONOn becoming more acquainted with the word of the Bible, I began to understand so much more of what I had been taught, and of what I had learned about life and about the people in mine.
DUKE ELLINGTONYou have to stop listening in categories. The music is either good or it’s bad.
DUKE ELLINGTONSelfishness can be a virtue. Selfishness is essential to survival, and without survival we cannot protect those whom we love more than ourselves.
DUKE ELLINGTONIt don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.
DUKE ELLINGTONThere is hardly any money interest in art, and music will be there when money is gone.
DUKE ELLINGTONLove is supreme and unconditional; like is nice but limited.
DUKE ELLINGTONNow I can say loudly and openly what I have been saying to myself on my knees.
DUKE ELLINGTONWithout a deadline, baby, I wouldn’t do nothing.
DUKE ELLINGTONNew music? Hell, there’s been no new music since Stravinsky.
DUKE ELLINGTONMusic is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to no one.
DUKE ELLINGTONThere are 2 rules in life: Number 1- Never quit. Number2- Never forget rule number 1.
DUKE ELLINGTONGray skies are just clouds passing over.
DUKE ELLINGTONSimplicity is a most complex form.
DUKE ELLINGTONCritics have their purposes, and they’re supposed to do what they do, but sometimes they get a little carried away with what they think someone should have done, rather than concerning themselves with what they did.
DUKE ELLINGTONWhat does music mean to you? What would you do without music?
DUKE ELLINGTON