Sometimes I sound like gravel, and sometimes I sound like coffee and cream.
Nina SimoneRead
To most white people, jazz means black and jazz means dirt, and that's not what I play. I play black classical music.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nina Simone emphasizes that jazz is often misrepresented and underappreciated, as it is deeply rooted in African American culture and artistry.
In this quote, Nina Simone reflects on how the genre of jazz is often stereotyped by predominantly white audiences who associate it with negativity or 'dirt.' She asserts her identity as a performer who plays 'black classical music,' highlighting the sophistication and richness of jazz, which deserves recognition for its cultural significance and artistry beyond the superficial judgments often imposed by society.
Themes
JazzMusicCultureIdentityArtistry
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the evolution of jazz in a music history class.
More from Nina Simone
All quotes βJazz is a white term to define black people. My music is black classical music.
Nina SimoneRead
I only knew classical music, which to me was the only true music. The only way I could survive at the bar was to mix the classical music with popular songs, and that meant I had to sing. What happened was that I discovered I had a voice plus the talent to mix classical music together with more popular songs, which at the time I detested.
Nina SimoneRead
Everything that happened to me as a child involved music. It was part of everyday life, as automatic as breathing.
Nina SimoneRead
I didn't get interested in music. It was a gift from God.
Nina SimoneRead
This may be a dream, but I'll say it anyway: I was supposed to be married last year, and I bought a gown. When I meet Nelson Mandela, I shall put on this gown and have the train of it removed and put aside, and kiss the ground that he walks on and then kiss his feet.
Nina SimoneRead
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I'm saying: to be continued, until we meet again. Meanwhile, keep on listening and tapping your feet.
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