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
It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to a younger singer or person. It means I've done my job.
Interpretation
Inspiring others is a fulfilling achievement for an artist.
In this quote, Aretha Franklin expresses the deep satisfaction she feels knowing that her artistry can inspire the next generation. She believes that being able to motivate younger singers or individuals is a significant measure of her success, implying that mentorship and influence are key aspects of her legacy as an artist.
In practice
During a motivational speech for aspiring musicians.
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.
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.
I think women and children and older people are the three least-respected groups in our society.
God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go.
I will clamber through the clouds and exist.
It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.
When kids want a picture or autograph, you reflect later on and realize you did something good. Then you see them come back five years later, they're all grown up, have their own lives and they tell you how much you inspired them. You're like, 'Whoa.'
The goal of my shows, my interviews, my business, my philanthropy, all of it, whatever ventures I might pursue, would be to make clear that what unites us is ultimately far more redeeming and compelling than anything that separates me.
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