I am Charles Mingus, half black man, not even white enough to pass for nothing but black. I am Charles Mingus, a famed jazzman, but not famed enough to make a living in this society.
Charles MingusRead
Just because I'm playing jazz I don't forget about me. I play or write me, the way I feel, through jazz, or whatever.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-expression and authenticity in jazz, and in creativity overall.
Charles Mingus expresses the idea that while he is engaged in playing jazz, he remains true to himself and his own feelings. He uses jazz as a medium to convey his personal experiences and emotions, highlighting the deep connection between identity and artistic expression. For Mingus, jazz is not just a genre; it is a personal voice that communicates who he is.
Themes
Self-ExpressionJazzAuthenticityCreativityIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a jazz concert to inspire musicians to stay true to themselves.
More from Charles Mingus
All quotes βJazz music is a language of the emotions.
Charles MingusRead
Let my children have music! Let them hear live music.
Charles MingusRead
My music is evidence of my soul's will to live.
Charles MingusRead
I never heard my music played the way I heard it in my head.
Charles MingusRead
It (jazz) isn't like it used to be. The guys aren't together. They're all separated. Individuals now. Bird was a symbol. It was a clique, a clique of people. Who all believed in one thing: gettin' high. And playin'.
Charles MingusRead
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