I despair about the lack of proper respect shown for the piano. If you want it to sound like a traffic jam, go out in the street and forget the piano. That's not a piano sound. — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
I don't require lust, sex, or classic beauty; I require trust, respect, and honesty. All else builds from there. — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
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. — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
First of all, I swore it was two people playing. When I finally admitted to myself that was one man, I gave up the… — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
If you have something to say of any worth then people will listen to you. — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
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… — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
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… — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
If the average jazz artist uses his head and at the outset of his career realizes he won't play as well at fifty as… — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
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… — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
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… — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
He's not a performer, he's not a composer, he's not even a musician, but Norman Granz is Mr. Jazz. — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
Montreal was a very active jazz center until club owners started putting in strippers instead of music. Before long, there was nothing to hear. — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
The music field was the first to break down racial barriers, because in order to play together, you have to love the people you… — Oscar Peterson Copy Share Image
