A lot of singers think all they have to do is exercise their tonsils to get ahead. They refuse to look for new ideas and new outlets, so they fall by the wayside... I'm going to try to find out the new ideas before the others do.
Ella FitzgeraldRead
Once, when we were playing at the Apollo Theater, Holiday was working a block away at the Harlem Opera House. Some of us went over between shows to catch her, and afterwards we went backstage. I did something then, and I still don't know if it was the right thing to do—I asked her for her autograph.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the admiration and respect one artist has for another, highlighting the importance of artistic collaboration and appreciation.
In this quote, Ella Fitzgerald shares a memorable moment of her encounter with Billie Holiday, another iconic artist of the time. It illustrates the deep respect and admiration that exists within the artistic community, showing how even legends can be fans of each other. Fitzgerald's hesitation about asking for an autograph underscores the humility and reverence that often accompany such star-studded interactions, reminding us of the human side of famous figures.
Themes
ArtistAdmirationAutographHumilityRespect
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a discussion about the influence of legendary musicians on each other.
More from Ella Fitzgerald
All quotes →It isn't where you came from, its where you're going that counts.
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I've had some wonderful love affairs and some that didn't work out. I don't want to dwell on that and I don't want to put people down, but I think all the fabulous places I've been, the wonderful things that have happened for me, the great people I've met - that ought to make a story.
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Some kids in Italy call me 'Mama Jazz; I thought that was so cute. As long as they don't call me 'Grandma Jazz.'
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I'm very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it's a different feeling I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it's because it's something I love to do.
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I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.
Ella FitzgeraldRead
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