The memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician. Things like old folks singing in the moonlight in the back yard on a hot night or something said long ago.
Louis ArmstrongRead
Very few of the men whose names have become great in the early pioneering of jazz and of swing were trained in music at all. They were born musicians: they felt their music and played by ear and memory. That was the way it was with the great Dixieland Five.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True musical talent often comes from innate ability rather than formal training.
In this quote, Louis Armstrong emphasizes the idea that many of the greatest jazz and swing musicians were not formally trained in music theory but were instead gifted with an innate sense of music. They played from their heart and memory, showing that true artistry is often driven by passion and natural talent rather than conventional education.
Themes
MusicTalentJazzCreativityPassion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in a discussion about the importance of natural talent in creative fields.
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When I was young and very green, I worte that tune, Sister Kate, and someone said that's fine, let me publish it for you. I'll give you fifty dollars. I didn't know nothing about papers, and business, and I sold it outright.
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