Quotes by Benny Carter

And you know, Doc Cheatham could play saxophone too. A lot of people don't know about that. There's also someone down at the University of Miami who made a big-band recording in which he played all the parts, except for the drums.
– Benny Carter
At my age, I realize that my most precious possession is time, and I've got too much unfinished work to do to spend even a minute talking about myself.
– Benny Carter
I didn't know Charlie Parker well, but I spent some time with him, and he was articulate and well-spoken with a lot of curiosity about music and the world. But the only way he seems to be depicted is as a junkie. And that's not the full picture.
– Benny Carter
I took the eye test and passed it on the spot. Then, when he asked me to sign something, I pulled out my reading glasses.
– Benny Carter
In all honesty, I think I just played what I felt was right for me. And I think I would have done the same thing, even if I'd been born later, when Charlie Parker was influencing everybody. The truth is, I never gave it much thought. I just played what I had to play.
– Benny Carter
Leonard Feather... was the one who arranged for me to come to London to work for the BBC, and we remained friends until Leonard passed away in 1994.
– Benny Carter