I'm a Swede who loves Italian food; it's the culture I identify with mostly. I love the people and everything about them.

Well, the thought came to me that, for many of us who did this show, and for many people who watched the show, just because Johnny left there, didn't give them the closure they needed. But I would say that his passing gave us that closure, because I think we all realize now that he's not coming back.

Music and the arts are not just something to make people feel good. They elevate the soul and broaden the entire personality. It's easy to say they aren't needed because culture seems intangible. But not having it deprives young people of a cultural heritage.

He always had his eye out for something new. He never pushed it away, but he embraced it. It became a part of how you program pops orchestras.

Personally, I think young musicians need to learn to play more than one style. Jazz can only enhance the classical side, and classical can only enhance the jazz. I started out playing classical, because you have to have that as a foundation.

Television is so influential that when an audience sees you day-in and day-out there's a certain acceptance that sets in; you're no longer a threatening personality. They become more willing to accept whatever you present.