Too many young musicians today want to win polls before they learn their instruments. — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
Some of the guys I played with .. didn't go around learning more about their instruments from an intellectual point of view. All they wanted was to play hot jazz, and the instrument was just a means. I'd imagine that a lot of them criticized me-said my technique was too good. Something like that. But I've always wanted to know… — Benny Goodman Copy Share
As soon as it was understood that we could handle things in our own way, it was the thrill of my life to walk… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
That night at Carnegie Hall was a great experience. When the thing was first put up to me I was a little dubious, not… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
After you’ve done all the work and prepared as much as you can, what the hell, you might as well go out and have… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
I think my first impression (of Bix Beiderbecke) was the lasting one. I remember very clearly thinking, 'Where, what planet, did this guy come… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
To this day, I don't like people walking on stage not looking good. You have to look good. If you feel special about yourself… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
I don't have any great love for Chicago. What the hell, a childhood around Douglas Park isn't very memorable. I remember the street fights… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
If a guy's got it, let him give it. I'm selling music, not prejudice. — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
If you want to do something, you do it anyway, and handle the obstacles as they come. — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
When I first arrived (in New York), it seemed to me the most terrifying city in the world... all those big buildings. I remember… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
One way or the other, if you want to find reasons why you shouldn’t keep on, you’ll find ‘em. The obstacles are all there;… — Benny Goodman Copy Share Image
