I am a composer first and foremost, and have always believed that being able to write memorable melodies is what sets musicians apart. My songs bring images to the listener's mind. The object is to transport my listeners to another place, some place sacred and spiritual that will make them glad they took the ride.

The piano is always true to me. In times of despair, happiness, and joy, its mood is always my own.

Basically, I write from a two person standpoint. First, I let the song take hold and I put down the idea as a raw emotional statement. Then I let it breathe an…

All the information you need is available to you to have a successful career in music, if you're paying attention, and not closed off to anything. Remember, Pe…

With Moondance, I wrote the melody first. I played the melody on a soprano sax and I knew I had a song so I wrote lyrics to go with the melody. That's the way …

I am now satisfied that the future music of this country must be founded upon what are called negro melodies. This must be the real foundation of any serious a…

Music is for me like a beautiful mosaic which God has put together. He takes all the pieces in his hand, throws them into the world, and we have to recreate th…