“At first the music almost repelled me, it was so intense, and this man made no attempt to sugarcoat what he was trying to say, or play. It was hard-core, more than anything I had ever heard. After a few listenings I realized that, on some level, I had found the master, and that following this man's example would be my life's work.”

“I have always been resistant to doctrine, and any spirituality I had experienced thus far in my life had been much more abstract and not aligned with any recognized religion. For me, the most trustworthy vehicle for spirituality had always proven to be music. It cannot be manipulated, or politicized, and when it is, that becomes immediately obvious.”

“I found my God in music and the arts, with writers like Hermann Hesse, and musicians like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Walter. In some way, in some form, my God was always there, but now I have learned to talk to him.”

“Musically, he was like an old man in a boy's skin.”

“If you hand me a guitar, I'll play the blues. That's the place I automatically go.”

“Would you know my nameIf I saw you in heavenWill it be the sameIf I saw you in heavenI must be strong, and carry onCause I know I don't belongHere in heavenWould you hold my handIf I saw you in heavenWould you help me standIf I saw you in heavenI'll find my way, through night and dayCause I know I just can't stayHere in heaven”

“For me there is something primitively soothing about this music, and it went straight to my nervous system, making me feel ten feet tall.”