...for me the only way I can thank God for his ever-present creation is to offer him a new music impressed of a beauty which nobody had previously understood .... the music we play is one long prayer, a message coming from God

Trane was the father. Pharoah was the son. I was the holy ghost.

John [Coltrane] was like a visitor to this planet. He came in peace and he left in peace but during his time here, he kept trying to reach new levels of awareness, of peace, of spirituality. That's why I regard the music he played as spiritual music -- John's way of getting closer and closer to the Creator.

If people don't like it [my music] now, they will.

I think I'll give them another chance. Americans deserve another chance with my music.

We must be as pure as our music.

Music is the healing force of the universe.

Bebop was like humming along to Mitch Miller to me.