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
We all have idols. Play like anyone you care about but try to be yourself while you're doing so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embrace your influences but remain true to yourself.
This quote by B. B. King emphasizes the importance of having role models and influences in our lives while also reminding us that authenticity is essential. It signifies that while we can be inspired by others, our unique identity should always shine through in our actions and expressions.
Themes
IdolsAuthenticityInfluenceSelfMusic
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about following your passion in music and staying true to your sound.
More from B. B. King
All quotes βThe 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
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The colored folks been singing it and playing it just like I'm doin' now, man, for more years than I know. I got it from them.
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For me as a songwriter, I love when other people cover my songs.
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We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.
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