Sometimes I sound like gravel, and sometimes I sound like coffee and cream.
Nina SimoneRead
I only knew classical music, which to me was the only true music. The only way I could survive at the bar was to mix the classical music with popular songs, and that meant I had to sing. What happened was that I discovered I had a voice plus the talent to mix classical music together with more popular songs, which at the time I detested.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nina Simone learned to adapt to her environment, discovering her unique talent through blending classical music with popular songs.
In this quote, Nina Simone reflects on her initial belief that classical music was the epitome of true music. However, to survive in a bar setting, she had to innovate by combining the classical style she cherished with the popular songs she initially despised. This experience led her to discover her own vocal abilities and artistic talent, showcasing the importance of adaptability and the beauty of merging different musical genres.
Themes
MusicClassicalInnovationTalentAdaptability
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the importance of adaptability in artistic expression.
More from Nina Simone
All quotes →Jazz is a white term to define black people. My music is black classical music.
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Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
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I didn't get interested in music. It was a gift from God.
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This may be a dream, but I'll say it anyway: I was supposed to be married last year, and I bought a gown. When I meet Nelson Mandela, I shall put on this gown and have the train of it removed and put aside, and kiss the ground that he walks on and then kiss his feet.
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I have to be composed; I have to be poised. I have to remember what my first piano teacher told me: 'You do not touch that piano until you are ready and until they are ready to listen to you.
Nina SimoneRead
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