Bird (1988)

Jason Bernard: Benny Tate

Quotes 

• Benny Tate : When the gig is over, you still be scuffling to find the next one. If there is a next one. You can't earn no living - playing jazz - in the States.

  Charlie 'Bird' Parker : Diz can. Duke can.

  Benny Tate : Well, you ain't Diz - and you sure as hell ain't Duke.

  Charlie 'Bird' Parker : And they ain't me.

• Benny Tate : I don't go for that shit you people play; but, over here, they are crazy about it. Now, you don't get rich, but you live. And they treat you like a man.

• Benny Tate : I'm not talking about what you do on the bandstand. Everybody said you the man. Well, that's great. Until you mess up. And you always mess up.