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.
Nina SimoneRead
Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
Nina SimoneRead
I didn't get interested in music. It was a gift from God.
Nina SimoneRead
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.
Nina SimoneRead
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
Similar quotes
You've got to realize. In the western world, regardless of what color you are, what title the music is, it's all played by the same notes.
Ornette ColemanRead
There was this moment when we made 'Superunknown': the Seattle music scene had suddenly ended up on an international stage with huge success.
Chris CornellRead
What I like about pop music, and why I'm still attracted to it, is that in the end it becomes our folk music.
BonoRead
I'll always love rap, no matter what's going on.
NasRead
Playing the guitar is like telling the truth - you never have to worry about repeating the same [lie] if you told the truth. You don't have to pretend, or cover up. If someone asks you again, you don't have to think about it or worry about it because there it is. It's you.
B. B. KingRead
I figured I could do "It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World" because I believe it's the truth.
Etta JamesRead