I, of course, wanted to play real jazz. When we played pop tunes, and naturally we had to, I wanted those pops to kick! Not loud and fast, understand, but smoothly and with a definite punch.
Count BasieRead
All I wanted was to be big, to be in show business and to travel ... and that's what I've been doing all my life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker expresses a lifelong pursuit of dreams in show business and travel.
In this quote, Count Basie reflects on his aspirations and achievements throughout his life. He conveys the idea that his desire to become significant and to engage in show business has not only been a guiding ambition but has also shaped his entire journey, underscoring the importance of following one's dreams and passions.
Themes
DreamsSuccessShow BusinessTravelAmbition
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire young artists to pursue their dreams.
More from Count Basie
All quotes βIf you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night!
Count BasieRead
I'll always remember when I first heard Lester [Young]. I'd never heard anyone like him before. He was a stylist with a different sound. A sound I'd never heard before or since. To be honest with you, I didn't much like it at first.
Count BasieRead
I'm saying: to be continued, until we meet again. Meanwhile, keep on listening and tapping your feet.
Count BasieRead
I never thought innovation as such was very important. Not when you have to think about it... If you're going to come up with a new direction or a really new way to do something, you'll do it by just playing your stuff and letting it ride. The real innovators did their innovating by just being themselves.
Count BasieRead
Of course, there are a lot of ways you can treat the blues, but it will still be the blues.
Count BasieRead
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