I did not develop my ear. I discovered I had an ear, and it was an accident.
Clive DavisRead
My introduction of Whitney was that if there's going to be one performer for the next generation who combined the beauty and lyric phrasing of a Lena Horne with those Gospel fiery roots of an Aretha Franklin, it would be Whitney Houston.
Interpretation
Clive Davis emphasizes Whitney Houston's unique ability to merge beautiful vocal techniques with powerful Gospel influences.
In this quote, Clive Davis highlights Whitney Houston's exceptional talent as a performer, suggesting that she embodies the elegance and artistry of legendary singers like Lena Horne while also capturing the passionate and soulful essence of Aretha Franklin. This combination makes her a standout artist for the next generation, symbolizing a bridge between classic artistry and contemporary talent within the music industry.
In practice
During a music awards ceremony, you might quote this to honor Whitney Houston's legacy.
I did not develop my ear. I discovered I had an ear, and it was an accident.
The music began, and it was one of those life-changing moments. I saw an artist, Janis Joplin. She was exhilarating. She was vibrating. And she was like no other artist that I had ever seen before... It struck me that hard. Maybe the word is epiphany, when you get that special sensation.
There's no way that music could ever go down the tubes. I can't imagine a civilization without music. When you realize today that music is such a part of people's lives. And will always be, really.
I feel blessed that I found not just a profession, but a 24/7 way of life that I purely love. That curiosity to be current, to listen to the Hozier album, to be early in recognition of a Lorde and spending time with her and Miguel, the pleasure of seeing new talent erupt... I love it.
I'm the keeper of the flame for Whitney Houston. She was the greatest... and I don't want the world to forget that.
We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
I have been accused of being a very simplistic, very lyrical player, and that's okay. That just comes from the blues, which is my background. But every day you wake up and transcend. You can't ever rest on your laurels.
If it screams truth rather than help, if it commits itself with a courage that it can't be sure it really has, if it stands up and admits that something is wrong, but doesn't insist on blood, then it's rock n' roll.
As for my stuff, I'm just doing guest verses for other people's records. I try to stay recording, because if I don't, I get rusty.
It was an extraordinary connection, the synergy within the band. There was an area of ESP between Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, and myself.
We all have idols. Play like anyone you care about but try to be yourself while you're doing so.
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