Quotes About Music

We don't have the big-band mentality. We never wanted to become a big band.

I wanted to look at the mentality that can breed that sort of intensity, that kind of cutthroat, pressure-cooker feeling, especially a form of music like jazz, that should be - or you'd think should be - all about liberation and improvisation and everything.

I'd only do a deal with a label if it allowed me to still be indie and have that indie mentality. I have to have creative control.

After the first album, I spent a lot of time being like, 'I'm not really a singer.' That kind of mentality doesn't help.

You gotta understand a lot of hip-hop kids are going to have the hip-hop mentality. And it's sad because they're not educated enough to understand what hip-hop culture is really about.

I'll sing backgrounds, but a lead singer, you know, you've got to have that mentality and personality. I'd rather be the bass guy.

Music actually inspires me a lot. I listen to a lot of music, and often I find that if I can associate mentally a song or a piece of music with a particular character or scene, it helps me get back into the head of that character.

I'm trying to do things that help keep me mentally healthy, and if that includes making music, then great. But I won't lie - there are days when I just watch a show and eat a packet of cookies.

Mention Hubert Sumlin, as well, because Hubert's a great man, and again, you know, I don't play the guitar very good, but when I'm playing this kind of music, I always have him in my mind. I wish I could play like Hubert.

I love Glen Campbell. He never gets a mention.

For many years, I've wanted to do one, and I've always mentioned it to the chieftains, and they would say things like, 'Oh well. Christmas albums don't sell,' and things like that. But that's not the point. Christmas albums are important. The music is important. The season is important.

It's been cool to have my name mentioned when people say R&B is on the comeback and I'm the leading person. If you had told me at 16 that I would be that person - you're lying.

I always wear Chuck Taylors, but then I found out that you could actually get your own shoes, so I mentioned it to the band, and they said, 'Yeah! Let's do it' And we got 'em. That's how it works.

It's such a great honor to be mentioned along The Beatles.

The most influential person in my life had been George Michael. He was very important to me and was one of my musical heroes growing up. Then he became a friend and mentor and someone I'd lean on.

I always jump at the chance to mentor kids when it comes to music.

When I was younger, I felt more like a student working with a mentor when I worked with the conductor, but now it feels more like equals.

As for my band, well, my mentors were Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Jimmie Lunceford, and no one had a band more smartly dressed than Duke.

I grew up with great mentors in my life who helped me become the singer I am today.

You'll know if you're a famous composer if 20 years from now your name appears on a pull-down menu in Band in a Box, alongside Hans Zimmer.

I don't really think much of any songs I put out like I know... I think they're good, that's why I'm putting them out. But like I don't ever try to expect anything, so even with 'Caroline' or 'Red Mercedes,' I just put them out and hope for the best and people kind of gravitate towards them and I guess that's pretty cool and that's a blessing.

You don't sell as many records as you used to because of illegal downloads, but I think there are other ways you can make money through your music. Whether it's through merchandise or teaming up with other companies or brands or whatever, there are ways.

Freddie Mercury and I both loved to have a laugh on tour. If there were shenanigans and good times, Fred and I would be there.

Freddie Mercury said years later that he got the idea for 'We Will Rock You' from 'Bits and Pieces.' I never knew that.