What makes my approach special is that I do different things. I do jazz, blues, country music and so forth. I do them all, like a good utility man.
Interpretation
Ray Charles emphasizes the importance of versatility in music and creativity.
In this quote, Ray Charles highlights his unique approach to music by showcasing his versatility across different genres like jazz, blues, and country. He describes himself as a 'utility man,' indicating that his ability to adapt and blend different musical styles is what sets him apart in the industry, suggesting that diversity in creativity is valuable and enriching.
In practice
This quote can inspire musicians to explore different genres during an interview.
I suppose I've always done my share of crying, especially when there's no other way to contain my feelings. I know that men ain't supposed to cry, but I think that's wrong. Crying's always been a way for me to get things out which are buried deep, deep down. When I sing, I often cry. Crying is feeling, and feeling is being human. Oh yes, I cry.
I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great.
To me, music is entertainment - what else can it be? In fact, it's the only language I know of that's universal.
Just because you can't see anything , doesn't mean you should shut your eyes.
Any artist, when he goes in to record, should have the feeling that any song he records can be a hit. This may sound egotistical, but it makes sense.
When I started to sing like myself - as opposed to imitating Nat Cole, which I had done for a while - when I started singing like Ray Charles, it had this spiritual and churchy, this religious or gospel sound. It had this holiness and preachy tone to it. It was very controversial. I got a lot of criticism for it.
I always had the fear of being separated and abandoned. The sewing is my attempt to keep things together and make things whole.
My mother said to me, 'If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.' Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.
I was the only one in my family to be musically inclined, and my mother loved that. It encouraged my grand aunt to find me a music teacher, because it was quite obvious music was in me.
I believe that the best cameraman is one who recognizes the source, the story, as the basis of his work.
To wake the soul by tender strokes of art, To raise the genius, and to mend the heart; To make mankind, in conscious virtue bold, Live o'er each Seene, and be what they behold: For this the Tragic Muse first trod the stage.
It wasn't a deliberate decision to become a poet. It was something I found myself doing - and loving. Language became an addiction.
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