Only a few act - the rest of us reap the benefits of their risk.
Wynton Marsalis

People have taken time out of their day and spent their money to come sit down at a concert. And it's jazz music-it's not easy for them to get to it. I don't want them ever to feel that I'm taking their presence lightly.
Wynton Marsalis

Thank the good Lord for a job.
Wynton Marsalis

The bandstand is a sacred place.
Wynton Marsalis

The best way to be, is to do.
Wynton Marsalis

The first time I ever played the trumpet in public, I played the Marine Hymn. I sounded terrible.
Wynton Marsalis

The musicians I respected were much older than me. I expected them to cut my head, and they did.
Wynton Marsalis

The nerves are a problem on trumpet, because when you mess up everyone can hear it. Just remember most people are too polite to say anything about it. That should calm your nerves.
Wynton Marsalis

The rebuilding of New Orleans is an important point in the history of the United States.
Wynton Marsalis

The young very seldom lead anything in our country today. It's been quite some time since a younger generation pushed an older one to a higher standard.
Wynton Marsalis

There are forces all around you who wish to exploit division, rob you of your freedom, and tell you what to think. But young folks can rekindle the weary spirit of a slumbering nation.
Wynton Marsalis

There really have only ever been a few people in each generation who step out, are willing to put themselves on the line, and risk everything for their beliefs.
Wynton Marsalis

There was one thing Beethoven didn't do. When one of his string quartets was played, you can believe the second violin wasn't improvising.
Wynton Marsalis

There's the tradition in jazz of having the Battle of the Bands, and you do not want to get your head cut when you're playing.
Wynton Marsalis

This rebuilding of New Orleans gives us the perfect opportunity to see if we're ready to extend the legacy of Dr. King.
Wynton Marsalis

Through first-class education, a generation marches down the long uncertain road of the future with confidence.
Wynton Marsalis

Trumpet players see each other, and it's like we're getting ready to square off or get into a fight or something.
Wynton Marsalis

We always hear about the rights of democracy, but the major responsibility of it is participation.
Wynton Marsalis

We looked up to our father. He still is much greater than us.
Wynton Marsalis

What I really have in my head, my imagination, my understanding of music, I never really get that out.
Wynton Marsalis