Quotes from Duke Ellington

It's like an act of murder; you play with intent to commit something.

By and large, jazz has always been like the kind of a man you wouldn't want your daughter to associate with.

Art is dangerous. It is one of the attractions: when it ceases to be dangerous, you don't want it.

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.

I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.

Every man prays in his own language.

Music is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to no one.

Now I can say loudly and openly what I have been saying to myself on my knees.

People do not retire. They are retired by others.

A Satin Doll is a woman who is as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside.

Problems are chances for us to do our best.

Jazz is a good barometer of freedom.

Love is supreme and unconditional; like is nice but limited