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
As a very small girl, I listened to Charlie Parker and loved him and Max Roach and people like that.
Interpretation
The speaker reminisces about her early love for influential musicians.
In this quote, Aretha Franklin reflects on her childhood experiences with music, specifically her admiration for jazz legends Charlie Parker and Max Roach. This highlights the formative influence of music on her life and career, showcasing how early inspirations can shape one's artistic journey.
In practice
During a music appreciation class, to emphasize the lasting impact of early musical influences.
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.
If Hip Hop has the ability to corrupt young minds, it also has the ability to Uplift them.
I'd say three years ago we played in my hometown of San Antonio for 55,000 people at the Alamodome and walking out there with a crowd like that is just, you're excited, you're scared. There are just so many emotions going on. I still get nervous for things like that until after I sing about the first one or two songs, then I settle down.
When you sing, you pray twice.
You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.
If I'd known white people were going to buy my last album, I never would have recorded it.
If you feel that you're not getting enough out of a song, change the instrument - go from an acoustic to an electric or vice versa, or try an open tuning. Do something to shake it up.
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