Michael Coleman, now that was a boy that taught me some stuff too.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
When I began listening to saxophones, I was first attracted to Coleman Hawkins.
He taught me literature, and he actually taught me how to read. He was my personal mentor.
I loved working with Eric Close and J T Walsh.
My acting teacher, Earle Gister. He had a genius for knowing exactly where every one of us were in our development as actors. He always knew precisely what to say or suggest to unlock a moment. He somehow always made it seem like it was our idea. I call him 'The Invisible Hand.'
Ornette Coleman is a real musician. He takes all of the things he's thinking about in the world - which is a whole universe upon universe - and translates this into music.
Well, Steve Vai joined my dad's band right around the time when I actually started playing guitar. So he gave me a couple of lessons on fundamentals, and gave me some scales and practice things to work on. But I pretty much learned everything by ear.
I was in the band as a boy and was taught music and learned to compose.
Michael Landon was the biggest influence. As a child, I watched him write, direct, star, and produce a TV show every week. He showed me what was possible.
Sammy Davis, I backed him up. I used to study him every night. I saw how great performers worked and was able to incorporate a little bit from the best.
I had two wonderful teachers: Sanford Melsner and Fred Kareman.