Quotes by Doc Severinsen

“Music and the arts are not just something to make people feel good. They elevate the soul and broaden the entire personality. Its easy to say they arent needed because culture seems intangible. But not having it deprives young people of a cultural heritage.”

“Television is so influential that when an audience sees you day-in and day-out theres a certain acceptance that sets in; youre no longer a threatening personality. They become more willing to accept whatever you present.”

“Personally, I think young musicians need to learn to play more than one style. Jazz can only enhance the classical side, and classical can only enhance the jazz. I started out playing classical, because you have to have that as a foundation.”

“Well, the thought came to me that, for many of us who did this show, and for many people who watched the show, just because Johnny left there, didnt give them the closure they needed. But I would say that his passing gave us that closure, because I think we all realize now that hes not coming back.”

“Im a Swede who loves Italian food; its the culture I identify with mostly. I love the people and everything about them.”

“I was snowed in a couple of years, just like everyone else,”

“We were run out of a diner,”

“He got a very large meat cleaver and made us get back on the bus. That was heartbreaking, ... Maybe an hours drive from New York. Ill never forget it.”

“Everyone was close friends,”

“As I look back now, some of those dates, the players - I think I didnt realize how fully significant that all was. My God, some of the playing you heard. You had to take it in, and it had to do something to you.”