If you want to be a good blues singer, people are going to be down on you, so dress like you're going to the bank to borrow money.
B. B. KingRead
Michael Bloomfield came in after rock n roll started, and he was a great guitarist. He idolized me - I know that. What else can I say ? he was a young, excitable man. To him, drugs were plentiful, and that was no good. I talked to him like he was a son of mine. He was a great and he was gonna be greater. But he was part of the "in-crowd" and so he never got there
Interpretation
What this quote means
B. B. King reflects on the promising talent of Michael Bloomfield and the negative influence of drugs on his potential.
In this quote, B. B. King expresses his admiration for the young guitarist Michael Bloomfield, recognizing his talent and potential for greatness. However, he also acknowledges the detrimental impact of drugs on Bloomfield's career, highlighting the struggles that artists face in navigating their gifts amid the temptations that come with fame and acceptance in the music industry. King's paternal tone emphasizes not only his respect for Bloomfield but also a sense of loss for what might have been had the young guitarist made different choices.
Themes
MusicTalentDrugsPotentialInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the impact of drugs on musicians, this quote can serve as a poignant reminder of lost potential.
More from B. B. King
All quotes →The way I feel today, as long as my health is good and I can handle myself well and people still come to my concerts, still buy my CDs, I'll keep playing until I feel like I can't.
B. B. KingRead
Everything I record, I just try to sound like me and come up with songs that suit what I do and then just go for it. I never know what the public's going to like, anyway.
B. B. KingRead
A guitar is like an old friend that is there with me.
B. B. KingRead
I have not been a good father, but no father has loved his children more. Like my father, I decided the best thing I could do for my kids was work and provide. Fortunately, I've been able to do that. Unfortunately, my work was on the road, and that's meant a life of one-nighters.
B. B. KingRead
People all over the world have problems. And as long as people have problems, the blues can never die.
B. B. KingRead
Similar quotes
There was this moment when we made 'Superunknown': the Seattle music scene had suddenly ended up on an international stage with huge success.
Chris CornellRead
The majority of juice-heads and winos and junkies arent musicians.
Thelonious MonkRead
No matter what type of equipment you have, you still have to have a certain talent to be able to make a good record.
Dr. DreRead
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.
Annie LennoxRead
Funk never dies. It is eternal. It just smells a little different from time to time.
QuestloveRead
Every time you pick up your guitar to play, play as if it's the last time.
Eric ClaptonRead