First of all I should explain that synthesizers themselves, I don't consider them instruments, they are instrument makers, because you can program them to be whatever sound you want.

'I've got to learn how to do this. That's my instrument, and he can do it. Why can't I?

I remember my very first recording. It was on a wire recorder, as the tape recording was only just out but too expensive.

I think I heard the name Muddy Waters first, then John Lee Hooker.

When the suggestion was made that I might consider doing music of Joni Mitchell, I thought it was a fantastic idea. Joni, I admire not only for her music but for her person, because she's a person that really stands out for what she believes in.

My first Grammy wasn't even in a jazz category, but of course I was really excited. 'Rockit' was the beginning of kind of a new era for the whole hip-hop movement.