Chick Corea

Art is a subject that is inundated with opinions. In fact, that’s all it is about is opinions.

Without a doubt, my richest relationships are my long-term friendships with musical partners, because we make music together. That’s what we love to do with our lives.

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

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.

Only a spiritual being has awareness.

The sound of the orchestra is one of the most magnificent musical sounds that has ever existed.

What don’t I want to learn? I have how-to books, history, nature. Ain’t nobody here saying, ‘You’d better learn this.’ But I still think I’ve got a head on my shoulders, and it pleases me.

Somebody asked me once, ‘Do you think that swing will ever come back?’ And I said, ‘Do you think the 1938 Form will ever come back?’

Dizzy used to tell me I’m playing too hard. He’d say to not give everything. Miles told me that too.

Lionel Richie told me forget about the critics. But if you come back with hit after hit, you don’t have to worry about anything.

When I achieved what I thought the musicians were trying to do, the sound sort of bloomed. When it’s right, everything is beautiful.

There are some people that if they don’t know, you can’t tell them.

New artists can own their content and completely build their base and their following without having to sell or be owned by anybody and it creates such a diversity.

If I don’t practice for a day, I know it… for two days, the critics know it… three days, the public knows it.

Only play what you hear. If you don’t hear anything, don’t play anything.

The only thing better than singing is more singing.

Indian music is very soulful and the only other school that develops improv to the high degree you find in Jazz.

Bird said he worked as dishwasher at Onyx Club on 52nd St. in the early 1940s just to hear Art Tatum play.

Miles told me not to use vibrato because when you get old, you’re going to shake anyway.

I listen to everything, I listen to all artists that come along.

I don’t get jazz. It always sounds like a bunch of toddlers let loose in a music room.