Ahmet Ertegun

I think it's better to burn out than to fade away... it's better to live out your days being very, very active - even if it destroys you - than to quietly... disappear.

I'd be happy if people said that I did a little bit to raise the dignity and recognition of the greatness of African-American music.

Rock n' roll really belongs to all America. It really doesn't belong to one city.

Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.

It's very hard to play the straight lead girl and still make her sparkly and fun and real.

I confess that I listen to my own music for my own pleasure.