Chick Corea

My one thing is I continue to be interested and want to be a student. I don’t want to be a master. When I’m learning something, I’m in my element.

I’ve noticed that the more adventurous and in that mode that I am, it seems that the more the audience really likes it.

It’s difficult for me to dislike an artist, no matter what he’s creating.

Only a spiritual being has awareness.

It’s very difficult for me to dislike an artist. No matter what he’s creating, the fact that he’s experiencing the joy of creation makes me feel like we’re in a brotherhood of some kind… we’re in it together.

You don’t have to be Picasso or Rembrandt to create something. The fun of it, the joy of creating, is way high above anything else to do with the art form.

You don’t rehearse Jazz to death to get the camera angles.

Music’s a good thing, it calm the beast in the man.

I find my inspiration in myself.

I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great.

The guitar chose me.

Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being, a way of thinking.

For years the Trio did nothing but play for musicians and other hip people. We practically starved to death.

I did go through a trial-and-error period where I tried out lots of different guitars, but within a couple of years I was right back to the Les Paul. From that point it’s stayed with me ever since. I have other guitars—and I love a lot of them—but I’m most at home on a Les Paul. It’s interesting: most of the time I would even rather make a Les Paul do the things those other guitars do. From the get-go, the Les Paul spoke to me.

There’s so many ways you can hit one note.

I’m not much on gimmicks. I never have been because they don’t last.

It was a great thrill to listen every night and hear him on NBC radio. Les played just as great then. And then later on, in the 1950s, Les Paul turned the whole world on to guitar. He’s just a terrific, flashy, tasty guitarist.

I think that it is important to try to sound like someone, especially early in your development.

Jazz is played from the heart. You can even live by it. Always love it.

Jazz fans love Miles and I love him for a myriad of reasons, but the overviews are always too simplistic.

You only go around once and this ain’t no rehearsal.