“The piano, to me, was that escape
from the boredom,
the segregation,
the racism
that existed in the deep south.

I had to fight this constant proclamation
that I was inherently born inferior.

So at 22-years old, I made a decision;
and I told all my friends:

I’ve got enough of civil rights;
I’m not going to hate the white man.
I’m going to the piano,
and I’m gonna create the life that I want to live!

And yes,
music can transform our lives.”

Transcribed by Jeff Fenske from:
“Live from Abbey Road,” the Sundance Channel