The extraordinary thing about my mother, she's so modest about me.

I didn't even start playing the piano until I was about 13 or 14. I guess I must have had a little talent or whatever-you-call-it, but I practised regularly, and that's what counts.

It took me three weeks to write the 'Rhapsody in Blue.' I had always wanted to write something blue and Paul Whiteman inspired.

That's the thing about Mother Nature, she really doesn't care what economic bracket you're in.

My mother's wonderful. To me she's perfection.

I adored my mother, and I will always have extraordinary memories about her and remember her, and she opened the doors for me to appreciate arts.