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When you're kept by a patron you don't have to duke it out in the media marketplace for dollars and for readers. In some ways that's a blessing because it takes a lot of pressure off you.

If a patron buys from an artist who needs money, the patron then makes himself equal to the artist; he is building art into the world; he creates.

The one thing I don't do, that helps make me successful, is I don't rob Peter to pay Paul. All of my businesses have to stand on their own.

I launched Chefs for Humanity, a national nonprofit, with my voice, heart and money from my own pocket. Money gives you the ability to make a difference in the world and, when used in a positive way, is a lot of fun.

Charlie Parker is my greatest inspiration as a saxophone player - anything that involves him entails a large amount of respect.

I am a regular, if not exactly enthusiastic, patron of my local bookshop. I try to buy at least some books there because I cling to the belief that it's important to maintain those businesses which put a human face on the exchange of money for goods and services.

Bill Gates has become the patron saint of philanthropy and the poster child of rebirth, and from what I can tell, rightly so.

I've always had Paul Smith wallets for some reason.

Why do you judge me as a musician, John? All I'm interested in is making money.