The art of drawing which is of more real importance to the human race than that of writing...should be taught to every child just as writing is.
John RuskinRead
You hear about the Duke Ellingtons, the Jimmie Luncefords, and the Fletcher Hendersons, but people sometimes forget that jazz was not only built in the minds of the great ones, but on the backs of the ordinary ones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jazz music is a collective creation, shaped by both renowned artists and everyday musicians.
Cab Calloway's quote highlights the often-overlooked contributions of ordinary individuals to the evolution of jazz music. While famous musicians like Duke Ellington and Jimmie Lunceford are celebrated for their talent, it is essential to recognize that the genre was built by countless unnamed musicians whose dedication and hard work laid the groundwork for the innovations of the greats.
Themes
JazzMusicCollaborationContributionArt
In practice
Example use cases
When discussing the history of jazz in a music class, this quote can illustrate the importance of community in art.
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