I did not develop my ear. I discovered I had an ear, and it was an accident.
Clive DavisRead
My introduction of Whitney was that if there's going to be one performer for the next generation who combined the beauty and lyric phrasing of a Lena Horne with those Gospel fiery roots of an Aretha Franklin, it would be Whitney Houston.
Interpretation
Clive Davis emphasizes Whitney Houston's unique ability to merge beautiful vocal techniques with powerful Gospel influences.
In this quote, Clive Davis highlights Whitney Houston's exceptional talent as a performer, suggesting that she embodies the elegance and artistry of legendary singers like Lena Horne while also capturing the passionate and soulful essence of Aretha Franklin. This combination makes her a standout artist for the next generation, symbolizing a bridge between classic artistry and contemporary talent within the music industry.
In practice
During a music awards ceremony, you might quote this to honor Whitney Houston's legacy.
I did not develop my ear. I discovered I had an ear, and it was an accident.
The music began, and it was one of those life-changing moments. I saw an artist, Janis Joplin. She was exhilarating. She was vibrating. And she was like no other artist that I had ever seen before... It struck me that hard. Maybe the word is epiphany, when you get that special sensation.
There's no way that music could ever go down the tubes. I can't imagine a civilization without music. When you realize today that music is such a part of people's lives. And will always be, really.
I feel blessed that I found not just a profession, but a 24/7 way of life that I purely love. That curiosity to be current, to listen to the Hozier album, to be early in recognition of a Lorde and spending time with her and Miguel, the pleasure of seeing new talent erupt... I love it.
I'm the keeper of the flame for Whitney Houston. She was the greatest... and I don't want the world to forget that.
I learned from Jimi Hendrix. They all wanted him to do the tricks, and at the end of his career, he just wanted to play. I lived longer than he did, and I can see how those pressures can really play with your head.
What really counts isn't whether your instrument is Baroque or modern: it's your mindset.
I was never too keen on the British music press. They've called us a supermarket hype, and they used to suggest that we didn't write our own songs.
First of all, I swore it was two people playing. When I finally admitted to myself that was one man, I gave up the piano for a month. I figured it was hopeless to practice.
The future of rock belongs to women.
What we've had to do is learn to control success, put it in perspective, and not lose the essence of what we're doing - the music.
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