Ruth Brown Quotes

As for my band, well, my mentors were Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Jimmie Lunceford, and no one had a band more smartly dressed than Duke.

My father was incredible on trumpet and played with the likes of Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

I think I just had it by osmosis: an appreciation of Duke Ellington before I really even knew who he was.

We are always full of the types of people who retire or die. But they are never saying 'This guy is really unbelievable; we're alive to witness an exceptional performer.' I think we should recognise that while we are still racing.

You know how in high school you do these plays and people come up after the show and they're really excited for you? Well, that's what's happening to me right now.

I am completely grateful and pleased for the attention and the recognition I've received for playing the roles that I've played.

You are never too old for applause. What's satisfying is that I'm being appreciated for what I was trained for.

Now, the instrumentation in the jazz band and the jazz dance band has gone through many evolutions. For instance, in the 'twenties the tradition was two or three saxophones.

There's nothing nicer than getting a round of applause for turning up for work. It's amazing! You start work, and people clap. Do you know what I mean? And then they stand up and clap at the end.

And it was only released in London last week, so when I go back to England Monday or whatever, I am expecting heaps of adulation. I'm hoping there is. If that doesn't happen I will be disappointed.

To have that kind of ovation, that happens very seldom for a lineman.

We are very fortunate to be recognized here in such an extraordinary manner for work that we enjoy.

Every actor in the room honored Sidney for being there so many years before. And everybody was so moved to be at a place where history was being made again. It was tangible.

The history of all big jazz bands shows was, first they played for dancing, and then they played for singing.

If a Korean artist reaches to the top, we're all ready to stand up and applaud for him or her.

Benny Goodman was one of the big influences as a clarinet player. That's why I wanted the clarinet.

Duke Ellington was famous for hs very original harmonic patterns.

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

There's no problem with a guard of honour in any way.

It's a huge compliment that people continue to cast me in different types of roles believing in me and the fact that I can carry it off.

The thing I crave for the most is appreciation for my acting.

I am honored to have John Lloyd called the Black Wagner. It is a privilege to have been compared with him.

It's a great, great experience to finally get the reception that you know you rightfully deserve.

I fell in love with jazz when I was 12 years old from listening to Duke Ellington and hearing a lot of jazz in New York on the radio.

Needless to say, anybody who can stumble through a C-major scale knows that Art Tatum always gave his audiences 10 times their money's worth.