My greatest teacher was not a vocal coach, not the work of other singers, but the way Tommy Dorsey breathed and phrased on the trombone.
Interpretation
Frank Sinatra attributes his musical education to the unique style of Tommy Dorsey rather than traditional teaching methods.
In this quote, Frank Sinatra emphasizes that the most impactful lessons he learned about music came not from formal instruction or other singers, but from observing Tommy Dorsey's approach to playing the trombone. This suggests that experiential learning and the ability to absorb inspiration from others can be just as valuable, if not more so, than conventional learning methods.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of learning from role models in any field.
With few exceptions, every major pop singer in the US during her generation has been touched in some way by her genius. It is Billie Holiday who was, and still remains, the greatest single musical influence on me. Lady Day is unquestionably the most important influence on American popular singing in the last twenty years.
When lip service to some mysterious deity permits bestiality on Wednesday and absolution on Sunday, cash me out.
There have been many accolades uttered about Elvis' talent and performances through the years, all of which I agree with wholeheartedly. I shall miss him dearly as a friend. He was a warm, considerate and generous man.
Dare to wear the foolish clown face.
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps
I think my greatest ambition in life is to pass on to others what I know.
In a sense, the music business and I haven't always been the best of bedfellows. Artists often have to fight their corner. Your music goes through these filters of record labels and media, and you're hoping you'll find someone who'll help you get your work into the world.
I don't make records for pleasure. I did when I was a younger artist, but I don't today. I record so that I can feed people what they need, what they feel. Hopefully, I record so that I can help someone overcome a bad time
Motown will always be a heavy-duty part of my life because those are my roots
I'm from Kenner, Louisiana, where music is played for every occasion in life. There's music for being born, there's music for dying... It's just natural. Families get really good because they play a lot together.
Videos destroyed the vitality of rock and roll. Before that, music said, "Listen to me." Now it says, "Look at me."
To me, a great drummer isn't always about somebody with chops who can shred. A great drummer is someone who is part of a great band.
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