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.
One of the things that touches me most when I play for an audience is that although we may be unable to communicate in words or have diametrically opposed views on hot-button issues, while the music sounds we can be at peace, we can be friends. The vibrations that fill an auditorium have no passports, and they unite ears when hearts may be divided.
One thing is that I wasn't getting booked that well, and they had control over who got the awards, they had control over who sold. And they really did not want Willie or me, either one, to have a hit record. They wanted the money, but they didn't want us to be the ones.
That's what my music does for me. It makes people happy. When I play, I thank the Lord I've never seen someone walk away from a Dick Dale dance not having a good time. That's what it's all about.
It was stumbling on to really the bible of the blues, you know, and a very powerful drug to be introduced to us and I absorbed it totally, and it changed my complete outlook on music.
When I die, they'll bury the blues with me. But the blues will never die.
I call myself a blues singer, but you ain't never heard me call myself a blues guitar man.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.