84 Quotes by Dave Brubeck

One of the reasons I believe in jazz is that the oneness of man can come through the rhythm of your heart. It’s the same anyplace in the world, that heartbeat. It’s the first thing you hear when you’re born – or before you’re born – and it’s the last thing you hear.

Kinship doesn’t come from skin color. It’s in your soul and your mind.

When I was first aware that I couldn’t read music I didn’t know I couldn’t read because I could play the music that was in front of me.

Damn it, when I’m bombastic, I have my reasons. I want to be bombastic-take it or leave it.

I used to take my mother to Yosemite. When I turned 14, I got my driver’s license, and that’s where she’d want to go, so I’d go take her there for two weeks.

The first choral music I remember hearing was Handel’s ‘Messiah’ when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast it over the radio.

I knew even if I’m a cowboy, I’m going to be involved in jazz in some way.

I was always very aware of drummers. My oldest brother Henry was a drummer, and he drummed on everything in the house from the kitchen sink to stovepipes. He was the first drummer in the Gil Evans Orchestra, so you’ve got to know how great he was.

I'm always hoping for the nights that are inspired where you almost have an out of body experience.