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
I got everything I wanted. When I was young in Kansas City, I knew nothing about Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Ella Fitzgerald, of all those concert halls, of all those countries. I did not know what it was like to direct a band... 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 quote reflects on achieving one's dreams and the journey in show-business from humble beginnings.
Count Basie reminisces about his youthful aspirations of becoming a successful figure in the entertainment industry. Despite having no knowledge of famous musicians and the grandeur of concert halls, his singular desire to achieve greatness guided him throughout his life and career. This captures the essence of how passion and ambition can lead to fulfilling one's dreams, no matter how distant they may seem at a young age.
Themes
SuccessDreamsShow-BusinessJourneyAmbition
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about pursuing dreams.
More from Count Basie
All quotes →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.
Count BasieRead
If 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
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