Quotes By Wynton Marsalis

It was Dr. King's tireless activism that fostered our modern way of relating to one another.

When did we begin to lose faith in our ability to effect change?

Don't settle for style. Succeed in substance.

We always hear about the rights of democracy, but the major responsibility of it is participation.

When I first came to New York everybody on the scene would treat me like I could play, but I couldn't.

Even in these times, there are still neighbors that will turn their backs on neighbors.

This rebuilding of New Orleans gives us the perfect opportunity to see if we're ready to extend the legacy of Dr. King.

The first time I ever played the trumpet in public, I played the Marine Hymn. I sounded terrible.

Thank the good Lord for a job.

I sounded like myself. People be saying I sound like Miles or Clifford Brown.

Many a revolution started with the actions of a few. Only 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. A few hanging together can lead a nation to change.

There really have only ever been a few people in each generation who step out, are willing to put themselves on the line, and risk everything for their beliefs.

The best way to be, is to do.

I got my first trumpet when I was six years old, from Al Hirt. My father was playing in Al Hirt's band at that time.

My older brother and myself always played together in bands, but we never knew we would be professional musicians.

When I auditioned for my high school band the band director was excited because my father was known to be a great musician. When he heard me, he said 'Are you sure you're Ellis's son?'

The rebuilding of New Orleans is an important point in the history of the United States.

Only a few act - the rest of us reap the benefits of their risk.

It's important to address young people in the reopening of New Orleans. In rebuilding, let's revisit the potential of American democracy and American glory.

There was one thing Beethoven didn't do. When one of his string quartets was played, you can believe the second violin wasn't improvising.

I dress up a certain way because I respect the music.

I always read all these books about the slaves. My mother is very educated. My father would talk to us like we were grown men. We never knew what he was talking about half the time.

I feel like a lot of the fundamental material, I've assimilated. So now the question is: Am I going to really get into my spiritual inheritance of music and really develop my abilities?

Through first-class education, a generation marches down the long uncertain road of the future with confidence.

The musicians I respected were much older than me. I expected them to cut my head, and they did.

Don't wish for someone else to do later what you can do now.

I believe in professionalism, but playing is not like a job. You have to be grateful to have the opportunity to play.

The nerves are a problem on trumpet, because when you mess up everyone can hear it. Just remember most people are too polite to say anything about it. That should calm your nerves.

There's the tradition in jazz of having the Battle of the Bands, and you do not want to get your head cut when you're playing.

You need a team. You need people to push you. You need opponents.