Quotes from Thelonious Monk

They tried to get me to hate white people, but someone would always come along & spoil it.

Don't play everything (or every time); let some things go by… What you don't play can be more important than what you do.

You've got to dig it to dig it, you dig?

I'm famous. Ain't that a bitch?

Monk's reasons for dancing during a performance: "I get tired sitting down at the piano! That way I can dig the rhythm better.

YOU'VE GOT TO DIG IT TO DIG IT, YOU DIG? ... ~ Thelonious Monk

The loudest noise in the world is silence.

I was playing birthday parties. House-rent parties where they used to sell whisky during prohibition.