We didn't have music videos. You weren't an overnight sensation. You had to work at it and learn your craft: how to take care of your voice, how to pace your concerts, all that trial and error.
Aretha FranklinRead
I love producing, writing. I rarely write with other writers unless I have a real great respect for them. Like Burt Bacharach, or Carole Sager, or Stevie Wonder. Somebody like Smokey - like that. Otherwise, I choose to write alone.
Interpretation
Aretha Franklin emphasizes the importance of individual creativity and respect in collaboration.
In this quote, Aretha Franklin expresses her preference for writing music alone, highlighting that she only collaborates with writers she deeply respects. This reflects her belief in the value of personal expression and the significance of mutual respect in creative partnerships, illustrating how true artistry often stems from individual inspiration and integrity.
In practice
In a speech about artistic integrity, one might reference Aretha Franklin's quote to illustrate the importance of personal vision.
We didn't have music videos. You weren't an overnight sensation. You had to work at it and learn your craft: how to take care of your voice, how to pace your concerts, all that trial and error.
Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don't, it hurts even more.
My mentor was Clara Ward of the famous Ward gospel singers of Philadelphia. And my dad was my coach. He coached me. And just my natural love for music is what drove me.
It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to a younger singer or person. It means I've done my job.
In terms of helping people understand and know each other a little better, music is universal - universal and transporting.
Everybody wants respect. In their own way, three-year-olds would like respect, and acknowledgment, in their terms.
This has not changed: always like the first time, very, very nervous. But when the music begins, you are in the music, it's a sort of transformation. Your feeling for the music is greater and has nothing to do with your nerves. You go out of yourself.
The guitar for me is a translation device. It's not a goal. And in some ways, jazz isn't a destination for me. For me, jazz is a vehicle that takes you to the true destination - a musical one that describes all kinds of stuff about the human condition and the way music works.
I'm trying everything I can not to be jaded 'cause I don't like jaded musicians.
I have sung for Americans of every political persuasion, and I am proud that I never refuse to sing to an audience, no matter what religion or color of their skin, or situation in life.
In a sense, 'American Pie' was a very despairing song but it can also be seen as very hopeful.
At the point we finished 'Abbey Road,' the game was up. We all accepted that.
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