Music isn't about music, it's about life.
Herbie HancockRead
Most people define themselves by what they do - 'I'm a musician.' Then one day it occurred to me that I'm only a musician when I'm playing music - or writing music, or talking about music. I don't do that 24 hours a day. I'm also a father, a son, a husband, a citizen - I mean, when I go to vote, I'm not thinking of myself as 'a musician.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that one's identity is shaped by various roles, not just their profession.
Herbie Hancock reflects on the complexity of personal identity, suggesting that people often oversimplify who they are by defining themselves solely through their careers. He argues that our identities are multifaceted, encompassing various roles such as family members and engaged citizens, reminding us that we are not tied to just one label or profession and that our worth is derived from all aspects of our lives.
Themes
IdentityRolesLifeMusicFamily
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about work-life balance at a conference, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of recognizing multiple facets of identity.
More from Herbie Hancock
All quotes →I don't mind being classified as a jazz artist, but I do mind being restricted to being a jazz artist. My foundation has been in jazz, though I didn't really start out that way. I started in classical music, but my formative years were in jazz, and it makes a great foundation.
Herbie HancockRead
In World War II, jazz absolutely was the music of freedom, and then in the Cold War, behind the Iron Curtain, same thing. It was all underground, but they needed the food of freedom that jazz offered.
Herbie HancockRead
I think people have learned that Herbie Hancock can be defined as someone that you won't be able to figure out what he's going to do next. The sky is the limit as far as I'm concerned.
Herbie HancockRead
One thing that sticks in my mind is that jazz means freedom and openness. It's a music that, although it developed out of the African American experience, speaks more about the human experience than the experience of a particular people.
Herbie HancockRead
I started off with classical music, and I got into jazz when I was about 14 years old. And I've been playing jazz ever since.
Herbie HancockRead
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