There are 2 rules in life: Number 1- Never quit. Number2- Never forget rule number 1.
DUKE ELLINGTONThere are 2 rules in life: Number 1- Never quit. Number2- Never forget rule number 1.
DUKE ELLINGTONSelf-discipline, as a virtue or an acquired asset, can be invaluable to anyone.
DUKE ELLINGTONYet, every time God’s children have thrown away fear in pursuit of honesty-trying to communicate themselves, understood or not, miracles have happened.
DUKE ELLINGTONThere are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind the only yardstick by which the result should be judged is simply that of how it sounds. If it sounds good it’s successful; if it doesn’t it has failed.
DUKE ELLINGTONI don’t need time. What I need is a deadline!
DUKE ELLINGTONIt’s like an act of murder – you play with intent to commit something.
DUKE ELLINGTONIf it sounds good and feels good, then it IS good!
DUKE ELLINGTONA problem is a chance for you to do your best.
DUKE ELLINGTONYou’ve got to find a way of saying it without saying it.
DUKE ELLINGTONThe artist must say it without saying it.
DUKE ELLINGTONBy and large, jazz has always been like the kind of a man you wouldn’t want your daughter to associate with.
DUKE ELLINGTONI fluffed off the guy who kept requesting tunes all night, then found out he was the King’s son.
DUKE ELLINGTONEvery man prays in his own language.
DUKE ELLINGTONI’m sure critics have their purpose, 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 he did.
DUKE ELLINGTONThe most important thing I look for in a musician is whether he knows how to listen.
DUKE ELLINGTONBe a number one yourself. And not a number two somebody else.
DUKE ELLINGTON