I did not develop my ear. I discovered I had an ear, and it was an accident.
Clive DavisRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the profound impact that music and live performances can have on individuals.
Clive Davis describes a transformative experience he had while witnessing Janis Joplin perform, highlighting how music can evoke deep emotions and create moments of revelation. This moment of epiphany signifies the power of art to touch the soul, leaving a lasting impression that alters one's perception and appreciation of music and creativity.
Themes
MusicEpiphanyArtJanis JoplinPerformance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of music in our lives.
More from Clive Davis
All quotes →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.
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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.
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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.
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I'm the keeper of the flame for Whitney Houston. She was the greatest... and I don't want the world to forget that.
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