As a child, all I knew was that people kept asking me to sing, and because I liked to please, I would sing. It wasn't until my dad told me that my singing made him happy that I began to think my voice might be good.
Johnny MathisRead
First, I try to take everything away that doesn't matter to singing. It sounds simplistic, but it works. There is absolute focus on singing: producing sounds and emotions that I have always enjoyed. This is key.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing on what truly matters enhances the quality of experience in art.
In this quote, Johnny Mathis emphasizes the importance of stripping away distractions to hone in on the essence of singing. By eliminating the nonessential, he believes one can achieve a deeper connection to the art form, allowing for authentic expression and emotional resonance in the music.
Themes
FocusSingingArtEmotionsSimplicity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire musicians during rehearsals.
More from Johnny Mathis
All quotes →Sure, I've thought about retiring, but in my mind, if you can't sing the song anymore, change the song and sing a different one!
Johnny MathisRead
Similar quotes
The beauty of doing film is that you construct whatever you do block by block and you can build something that will stay.
Michel GondryRead
You don't have to make something in order to retain your identity as an artist or a writer or a creative person. A lot of people think they have to be producing in order to maintain that identity.
Lucy DacusRead
But, in each case, as a filmmaker who's been given sizable budgets with which to work, I feel a responsibility to the audience to be shooting with the absolute highest quality technology that I can and make the film in a way that I want.
Christopher NolanRead
All art is unstable. Its meaning is not necessarily that implied by the author. There is no authoritative voice. There are only multiple readings.
David BowieRead
If you want to be an actor, you must have total, ruthless commitment to your art. Don't be ambitious for fame or TV or movies. Art is a jealous mistress and will brook no competitors. Study all the time. Never stop reading. Never stop learning speeches. It will fill you up - define and refine you.
Steven BerkoffRead
The sources of poetry are in the spirit seeking completeness.
Muriel RukeyserRead