QuoteProject
The music field was the first to break down racial barriers, because in order to play together, you have to love the people you are playing with, and if you have any racial inhibitions, you wouldn't be able to do that.
Oscar Peterson
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Music fosters unity and love, transcending racial differences.

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of music in bridging racial divides. Oscar Peterson points out that collaboration in music requires genuine affection and acceptance among musicians, suggesting that the expression and sharing of music can overcome prejudices and foster a sense of community, regardless of racial backgrounds.

Themes

MusicRacial BarriersUnityCollaborationLove

In practice

Example use cases

During a community event celebrating diversity, this quote can be shared to highlight the importance of music in uniting different cultures.

More from Oscar Peterson

First of all, I swore it was two people playing. When I finally admitted to myself that was one man, I gave up the piano for a month. I figured it was hopeless to practice.
Oscar PetersonRead
Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.
Oscar PetersonRead
I don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos.
Oscar PetersonRead
It's the group sound that's important, even when you're playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.
Oscar PetersonRead
Montreal was a very active jazz center until club owners started putting in strippers instead of music. Before long, there was nothing to hear.
Oscar PetersonRead
Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing. I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea. I have no one style. I play as I feel.
Oscar PetersonRead

Similar quotes

In our local Baptist church, I sang in the choir and formed a gospel quartet. When our minister caught me messing with his guitar, he taught me three positions - one, four and five. After that, I taught myself to play.
B. B. KingRead
I'd like to think that all the old Beatle fans have grown up and they've got married and they've all got kids and they're all more responsible, but they still have a space in their hearts for us.
George HarrisonRead
Bach takes you to a very quiet place within yourself, to the inner core, a place where you are calm and at peace.
Yo-Yo MaRead
We all have idols. Play like anyone you care about but try to be yourself while you're doing so.
B. B. KingRead
I always say that the problem with jazz accessibility is not the content of the music, it's people's ability to access it.
Esperanza SpaldingRead
That's the thing about the blues: It's one thing to hit a note on a guitar. To make it matter is something else altogether.
Joe BonamassaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.