Jazz is not just music; it is an expression of life, creativity, and emotion. For decades, great jazz musicians have shared their philosophies and wisdom that captured the spirit of jazz and how it has impacted life. The D Ejaz New’s top 10 jazz quotes below give insight not only into inspiration but also a peek into the minds of these historic artists themselves.
Miles Davis: “Don’t Play What’s There, Play What’s Not There”
Miles Davis, one of the pioneers in jazz, was never out of experimenting with something new. This quote speaks to his concept of improvisation where he would have musicians think outside the box from what was written on the page or what was supposed to follow through with a particular pattern. Davis was speaking to the concept of imagination—focusing on what hasn’t been done rather than repeating what’s already played.
Louis Armstrong: “What We Play is Life”
Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as “Satchmo,” was not only a jazz pioneer but also one of the more iconic cultural characters in the popularization and dispersion of jazz. This quote, spoken during an interview in the 1950s, details his perception that jazz had much to do with the human experience.
Duke Ellington: “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing”
Duke Ellington coined this iconic phrase in 1931 while preparing the song of the same name. “Swing” wasn’t just a rhythm to Ellington was the energy, spirit, and groove that made jazz irresistible. This quote became a rallying cry for the swing era, which dominated jazz in the 1930s and 1940s.
John Coltrane: “You Can Play a Shoestring If You’re Sincere”
John Coltrane was an extremely spiritual saxophonist and one of the most honored ones in jazz history. This is a quote from an interview in which he truly emphasized authenticity in music. To Coltrane, jazz wasn’t about flashy technique or perfection; it was about conveying genuine emotion.
Thelonious Monk: “A Genius Is the One Most Like Himself”
This is evidence of his belief that only through authenticity and originality will true genius shine through. Monk’s career is a testament to this idea: He refused to conform to traditional jazz norms because he pioneered a style that was unmistakably his own. Tracks like “Round Midnight” and “Straight, No Chaser” showcase his individuality, inspiring countless musicians to enjoy their quirks and idiosyncrasies.
Wynton Marsalis: “Jazz is Democracy in Action”
Wynton Marsalis, a star of contemporary jazz, frequently compares jazz to democracy. He has made this remark in numerous public lectures during the 1990s, indicating that jazz is the perfect example of cooperation, listening to others, and compromising.
Every musician has a voice in the jazz ensemble but must work in harmony. Similarly, under the democratic process, there are diverse views, but all work towards accomplishing one goal. Marsalis’s quote reminds us that in addition to jazz, democracy does thrive on inclusion, respect, and dialogue.
Ella Fitzgerald: “Just Don’t Give Up Trying to Do What You Really Want to Do”
Ella Fitzgerald, “First Lady of Song,” had many struggles in their early career: orphaned as a teenager, racial discrimination road to success was hardly easy. Through sheer determination, she became one of the most beloved vocalists in jazz history.
This quote is from a personal philosophy shared in an interview in 1980. What Fitzgerald could offer was universal: no matter how tough the journey, persistence and passion will lead you to success. Her story and her music continue to inspire people to act on their dreams against all odds.
“True Creativity Simplifies the Complex.” – Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus was a great bassist and composer who often spoke of the art of balance in music. This quote comes from his reflections on jazz composition, where he stressed the importance of clarity and accessibility.
The capability of Mingus to present complex musical ideas appealingly can be seen in such albums as Ah Um, 1959. It is his quote that reminds us that it is never overwhelming complexity but presenting ideas with elegance and simplicity that speaks truly to creativity.
Sonny Rollins: “Jazz Is the Type of Music That Can Absorb so Many Things and Still Be Jazz”
Sonny Rollins-one of the all-time great saxophonists-made this observation in an interview during the 1970s. He felt that jazz alone among the arts could continue to change by absorbing other influences, from classical to funk and all the way around the world.
Rollins’ career is a good example of that adaptability. Albums like The Bridge from 1962 show his readiness to experiment with style yet stay true to the form of jazz. His quote celebrates the versatility inherent in the genre to keep it fresh and relevant.
Herbie Hancock: “It’s Not Exclusive, but Inclusive, Which Is the Whole Spirit of Jazz”
Herbie Hancock, one of the forerunners of jazz fusion, has provided this quote to show how ‘inclusive’ jazz can be. From traditional jazz to funk and electronic, Hancock’s career has really shown that jazz is all about embracing diversity.
His classic album Head Hunters from 1973 is perhaps the perfect example of the inclusiveness of jazz, as it combined funk and rock elements with an improvisational basis. As Hancock’s quote reminds us, jazz is all about openness and collaboration, putting together people from all walks of life.