Both parents were very encouraging - especially my father. My father thought the sun rose and set with me. Neither one had a musical background or any musical talent. They liked classical music, but neither could carry a tune.
Gordon Getty

Either your understanding of the meaning of music is there from the beginning or it is not.
Gordon Getty

I do not think that music keeps evolving. It evolved through Bach; since then, in my humble opinion, all the innovations added nothing.
Gordon Getty

I don't think events in your life affect your music.
Gordon Getty

I feel that I belong to the 19th century. Some composers' music is very topical. It almost says, 'This is about what I read in newspapers yesterday.' Not mine.
Gordon Getty

I just have to take my chances like any other composer.
Gordon Getty

I personally do not write highbrow music. If I do, it's by accident.
Gordon Getty

I see only adaptations - not revolutions.
Gordon Getty

I want to make the world better.
Gordon Getty

I was in Paris at an English-language bookstore. I picked up a volume of Dickinson's poetry. I came back to my hotel, read 2,000 of her poems and immediately began composing in my head. I wrote down the melodies even before I got to a piano.
Gordon Getty


I'm a terrible singer, but it helps when I have to call a taxi.
Gordon Getty

I've had every advantage in the world, despite the 18 years of silence which were nobody's fault but mine.
Gordon Getty

I've managed to dodge the curse. Not all my family have. Of course, music helped me - music is all about civilization, about something worthwhile. It's all about ideas.
Gordon Getty

If you have more money than you need, you have to give it away. It's a duty. I get to choose whom to sponsor, and I like to give to the areas that I know something about.
Gordon Getty

It's true that I tend to daydream. I'm the same person in business as I am in music: I can be distracted and absentminded. It's my style.
Gordon Getty

My father was so much more than an accomplished businessman.
Gordon Getty

My music is all about an idealistic human personality. I have 19th-century ideals.
Gordon Getty

Nicolette, Kendalle, and Alexandra are my children. Their mother, Cynthia Beck, and I, love them very much.
Gordon Getty

The Getty family has been fully supportive throughout this situation, and for that, I am very grateful.
Gordon Getty

There is no change - I'm as deep or as shallow as I ever was. What's new is on-the-job experience. This is what you gain with years.
Gordon Getty