"Life is a lot like jazz... it's best when you improvise." — George Gershwin

I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.

It took me three weeks to write the 'Rhapsody in Blue.' I had always wanted to write something blue and Paul Whiteman inspired.

When I'm in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers.

Upper berth, lower berth, that's the difference between talent and genius.