Johnny Otis

I get a wave of pride in America when I look back at what we've accomplished in the field of music.

I'm not suggesting our music is the only music, but I am suggesting that there are certain elements in America's culture that are so precious that it would be a shame for them to go down the drain.

People are going to wake up to this great reservoir of music we've created in America - cakewalks, one-steps, boogie-woogie, country and western. I had a bit to do with one of those traditions.

Ever since I watched 'Roots,' I've dreamed of tracing my African ancestry and helping other people do the same.

I'd date someone younger or older; age doesn't matter to me. Or looks, really - it's all about maturity.

Well, I actually wrote her a letter a couple of days ago congratulating her. The tone I tried to convey in the letter is, look, you are a part of a great American historical process.