Quotes from Kevin Eubanks

People see my current success but don't realize I've worked hard to get where I am. I used to clean garbage off the Philadelphia docks and put a lot of time into developing my music.

If you play jazz, then you play with your fingers. If you're playing rock, you use a pick. There's really no rhyme or reason to that other than that's just the way it has been.

The belief that we are what the media says we are, what people perceive we are, is soon to be what we think we are. We are treated based on this warped perception. It is hard to get away from it.

I feel very honored to be playing with Bill Pierce. He's such a great musician.

The things I really learned, I learned from watching my parents. They take care of business. Always have.

Let your life be your music and let your music be your life.

The simple things in life ground me and keep me focused so Im able to do a good job with what is in front of me.

I really live a simple life and don't need very much to feel good and happy. Don't get me wrong; I believe you should get what you earn. Sometimes you have to fight for it.

I had the fortunate experience to play with people from different schools of music. Sam Rivers is from the fundamentalist school of music.

Sometimes I wonder if I got lulled into not wanting things because I grew up black in this country.

It's shameful what's happening in this country in terms of what we deny our children.

It is hard for a black man to just be himself. We spend so much time in defense of something that is indefensible because there is nothing to defend.

I was playing violin for a long time, about 6 years. It takes a while. You need very patient people in your house when you have a violin.

I want someone who is open-minded, dedicated to whatever she is doing and isn't afraid to say I love you. As for looks, she shouldn't have three heads. I want a regular human being.

I can pay my rent now. I guess I could always do that, but now I can get an apartment with heat.

My love life doesn't stink; it's nonexistent.

My love life is like everyone else's - great, and then terrible.

I wish I could sing. I love singers, but I am way too shy. Scares the hell out of me.

I love both my parents dearly.

James Brown is the reason I play guitar.

I thought people cared about music in a deep way, so I was writing to that spirit in people and in myself. It was me, thinking I knew what was up. Youth, who else can change the world?

I am blessed to have Mom and Dad.

I think Wes Montgomery is the greatest jazz guitarist that ever lived.

Dad made it to Gold Shield Detective, so he always busted Robin, my oldest brother, and me. Always got caught, whatever we were doing.