Quotes from Duke Ellington
Critics have their purposes, and they're supposed to do what they do, but sometimes they get a little carried away with what they think someone should have done, rather than concerning themselves with what they did.
- Duke Ellington
Music, of course, is what I hear and something that I more or less live by. It's not an occupation or profession, it's a compulsion.
- Duke Ellington
The most important thing I look for in a musician is whether he knows how to listen.
- Duke Ellington
I never had much interest in the piano until I realized that every time I played, a girl would appear on the piano bench to my left and another to my right.
- Duke Ellington
Love is indescribable and unconditional. I could tell you a thousand things that it is not, but not one that it is. Either you have it or you haven't; there's no proof of it.
- Duke Ellington
I don't need time. What I need is a deadline!
- Duke Ellington
I don't need time, I need a deadline.
- Duke Ellington
Love is supreme and unconditional. Like is nice, but limited.
- Duke Ellington
Music is my mistress, and she plays second fiddle to no one.
- Duke Ellington
Jazz is the only unhampered, unhindered expression of complete freedom yet produced in this country.
- Duke Ellington
A problem is a chance for you to do your best
- Duke Ellington
I don't need time. What I need is a deadline.
- Duke Ellington