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To most white people, jazz means black and jazz means dirt, and that's not what I play. I play black classical music.
Nina Simone
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Nina Simone emphasizes that jazz is often misrepresented and underappreciated, as it is deeply rooted in African American culture and artistry.

In this quote, Nina Simone reflects on how the genre of jazz is often stereotyped by predominantly white audiences who associate it with negativity or 'dirt.' She asserts her identity as a performer who plays 'black classical music,' highlighting the sophistication and richness of jazz, which deserves recognition for its cultural significance and artistry beyond the superficial judgments often imposed by society.

Themes

JazzMusicCultureIdentityArtistry

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the evolution of jazz in a music history class.

More from Nina Simone

Sometimes I sound like gravel, and sometimes I sound like coffee and cream.
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Jazz is a white term to define black people. My music is black classical music.
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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.
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Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
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I didn't get interested in music. It was a gift from God.
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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.
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