Kevin Eubanks

“After a while I thought it didn't make any sense to use a pick. It's kind of like typing with one finger on each hand instead of using all your fingers.”

“Inspiration is one thing and you can't control it, but hard work is what keeps the ship moving. Good luck means, work hard. Keep up the good work.”

“I can pay my rent now. I guess I could always do that, but now I can get an apartment with heat.”

“I had the fortunate experience to play with people from different schools of music. Sam Rivers is from the fundamentalist school of music.”

“If you play jazz, then you play with your fingers. If you're playing rock, you use a pick. There's really no rhyme or reason to that other than that's just the way it has been.”

“People see my current success but don't realize I've worked hard to get where I am. I used to clean garbage off the Philadelphia docks and put a lot of time into developing my music.”

“I really worked with icons in the music business, which really had a strong effect on me. It wasn't just pick-up gigs.”

“James Brown is the reason I play guitar.”

“The things I really learned, I learned from watching my parents. They take care of business. Always have.”

“Being as versatile as I am, I take offense to the notion that no serious musician would not be doing a late night talk show gig. One has to be open enough in other areas to be able to contribute to a show like this.”

“In most places that are rich in guitar culture, everyone uses their fingers, like in Spain or Africa. In Japan there are string instruments played that way. It is not until you get in the States that you find people using picks.”

“Sometimes I wonder if I got lulled into not wanting things because I grew up black in this country.”

“The worst part is doubt. When you doubt yourself, which we are taught to do, you get lost.”

“Dad made it to Gold Shield Detective, so he always busted Robin, my oldest brother, and me. Always got caught, whatever we were doing.”

“The simple things in life ground me and keep me focused so I'm able to do a good job with what is in front of me.”

“I want someone who is open-minded, dedicated to whatever she is doing and isn't afraid to say I love you. As for looks, she shouldn't have three heads. I want a regular human being.”

“It's shameful what's happening in this country in terms of what we deny our children.”

“Serious musicians are finding it harder and harder to have a voice in the world of music these days.”

“I am blessed to have Mom and Dad.”

“I really live a simple life and don't need very much to feel good and happy. Don't get me wrong; I believe you should get what you earn. Sometimes you have to fight for it.”