Song Quotes by Oscar Peterson

I don't require lust, sex, or classic beauty; I require trust, respect, and honesty. All else builds from there.

— Oscar Peterson

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

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

If you have something to say of any worth then people will listen to you.

— Oscar Peterson

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

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

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

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

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

He's not a performer, he's not a composer, he's not even a musician, but Norman Granz is Mr. Jazz.

— Oscar Peterson

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

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

Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.

— Oscar Peterson

I despair about the lack of proper respect shown for the piano. If you want it to sound like a traffic jam, go out…

— Oscar Peterson

I play as I feel.

— Oscar Peterson