The memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician. Things like old folks singing in the moonlight in the back yard on a hot night or something said long ago.
Louis ArmstrongRead
When I was young and very green, I worte that tune, Sister Kate, and someone said that's fine, let me publish it for you. I'll give you fifty dollars. I didn't know nothing about papers, and business, and I sold it outright.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on a young musician's innocence and lack of business savvy when entering the music industry.
Louis Armstrong's quote reveals the challenges faced by young artists who are passionate about their craft but lack the knowledge of the industry's business side. It serves as a reminder that creativity can often be hindered by ignorance of contractual and financial matters, especially for those just starting out. Armstrong highlights how his youthful enthusiasm led him to make a decision that may have deprived him of potential future earnings from his work.
Themes
MusicYoung ArtistBusinessContractsCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech encouraging young musicians, you might say, 'Remember what Louis Armstrong said about the importance of understanding the business behind your art.'
More from Louis Armstrong
All quotes →Making money ain't nothing exciting to me. You might be able to buy a little better booze than the wino on the corner. But you get sick just like the next cat and when you die you're just as graveyard dead as he is.
Louis ArmstrongRead
Very few of the men whose names have become great in the early pioneering of jazz and of swing were trained in music at all. They were born musicians: they felt their music and played by ear and memory. That was the way it was with the great Dixieland Five.
Louis ArmstrongRead
My whole life, my whole soul, my whole spirit is to blow that horn.
Louis ArmstrongRead
I've Got the World on a String.
Louis ArmstrongRead
It's America's classical music ... this becomes our tradition ... the bottom line of any country in the world is what did we contribute to the world? ... we contributed Louis Armstrong
Louis ArmstrongRead
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