Backgrounds Quote by Billy Taylor

Jazz is music made by and for people who have chosen to feel good in spite of conditions.

— Johnny Griffin

It is Jazz's very nature to change, to develop & adapt to the circumstances of its environment.

— Pat Metheny

Certainly, jazz has become more of a niche, which is surprising, because it's our music. It's the national music of America.

— Renee Fleming

Jazz comes from our way of life, and because it's our national art form, it helps us to understand who we are.

— Wynton Marsalis

Jazz is such a powerful cultural statement that it's almost as if it's intertwined with society.

— Tom Harrell

Jazz is not just music, it's a way of life, it's a way of being, a way of thinking.

— Nina Simone

Jazz is like wine. When it is new it's only for the experts, but when it gets older everybody wants it.

— Steve Lacy

Of course we've lost so many superstars who've made jazz what it is. We've lost so many musicians who created new things and changed…

— George Benson

I think we're an inspiration to young people, to know they can be honest and not run away from influences that are not jazz.…

— Robert Glasper

Jazz music is America's past and its potential, summed up and sanctified and accessible to anybody who learns to listen to, feel, and understand…

— Wynton Marsalis

Jazz is like a big secret club. The mainstream media doesn't pay any attention to it, it's like 1 percent of the music market…

— Robert Glasper

Jazz is the last refuge of the untalented. Jazz musicians enjoy themselves more than anyone listening to them does.

— Tony Wilson