Oscar Peterson

I play as I feel.

I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea.

It’s the group sound that’s important, even when you’re playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That’s jazz.

Some people try to get very philosophical and cerebral about what they’re trying to say with jazz. You don’t need any prologues, you just play. If you have something to say of any worth then people will listen to you.

I don’t do something because I think it’ll sell 30 million albums. I couldn’t care less if it sells just one.

I don’t do something because I think it will sell 30 million albums. I couldn’t care less. If it sells one, it sells one.

People complain about the music industry, but this is a great time to be a musician.

You’ve got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.

May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung.

Man, if you gotta ask you’ll never know.

We might as well swing boys, because Stravinsky cuts us all.

I never really thought about becoming a professional musician.

No two people on earth are alike, and it’s got to be that way in music or it isn’t music.

Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.

If you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night!

I am famous because I am an African American jazz artist.

What have I got? No looks, no money, no education… just talent.

I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.

One of the great moments of my life was when I could write musician on my passport.

As long as musicians have passion for spontaneity and creating something that’s never been before, Jazz will flourish.

I think the most important thing about playing is to walk out with confidence, look the people right in the eye and say ‘Here I am,’ and go and do your thing. As soon as they know you’re confident, they’re confident. As long as you adjust to them you’re not in trouble. You should eyeball them, find out what they want, and give it to them. They didn’t pay to come out and look at the tapestries.