Billy Joel

If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time. ”

The whole world loves American movies, blue jeans, jazz and rock and roll. It is probably a better way to get to know our country than by what politicians or airline commercials represent. ”

Historically, musicians know what it is like to be outside the norm - walking the high wire without a safety net. Our experience is not so different from those who march to the beat of different drummers. ”

Those who have expressed doubts and misgivings about their ability to live this kind of life shouldn't try, because being a musician is not something you chose to be, it is something you are. ”

Artists - musicians, painters, writers, poets - always seem to have had the most accurate perception of what is really going on around them, not the official version or the popular perception of contemporary life. ”

It's really hard to make a living as a musician. It's almost impossible. ”

We are living in a time when American popular music is finally being recognized as one of our most successful exports. The demand is huge. ”

Don't make music for some vast, unseen audience or market or ratings share or even for something as tangible as money. Though it's crucial to make a living, that shouldn't be your inspiration. Do it for yourself. ”

In an age of incompetence, I've been able to last in this crazy business. I actually know how to play my ax and write a song. That's my job. ”

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. ”