If you want to be a good blues singer, people are going to be down on you, so dress like you're going to the bank to borrow money.
B. B. KingRead
Everything I record, I just try to sound like me and come up with songs that suit what I do and then just go for it. I never know what the public's going to like, anyway.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes authenticity in artistic expression, regardless of public opinion.
B. B. King's quote reflects the idea that true artistry comes from being oneself and creating music that resonates personally, rather than conforming to external expectations. He acknowledges the unpredictability of public taste, suggesting that artists should prioritize their individual style and instincts over the desire for commercial success.
Themes
AuthenticityMusicExpressionCreativitySelf
In practice
Example use cases
An artist may use this quote in an interview to explain their creative process.
More from B. B. King
All quotes →The way I feel today, as long as my health is good and I can handle myself well and people still come to my concerts, still buy my CDs, I'll keep playing until I feel like I can't.
B. B. KingRead
A guitar is like an old friend that is there with me.
B. B. KingRead
I have not been a good father, but no father has loved his children more. Like my father, I decided the best thing I could do for my kids was work and provide. Fortunately, I've been able to do that. Unfortunately, my work was on the road, and that's meant a life of one-nighters.
B. B. KingRead
People all over the world have problems. And as long as people have problems, the blues can never die.
B. B. KingRead
When people treat you mean, you dislike them for that, but not because of their person, who they are. I was born and raised in a segregated society, but when I left there, I had nobody I disliked other than the people that'd mistreated me, and that only lasted for as long as they were mistreating me.
B. B. KingRead
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