A lot of singers think all they have to do is exercise their tonsils to get ahead. They refuse to look for new ideas and new outlets, so they fall by the wayside... I'm going to try to find out the new ideas before the others do.
Ella FitzgeraldRead
It isn't where you came from, its where you're going that counts.
Interpretation
Your background does not define your future; your goals and direction are what truly matter.
This quote by Ella Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of looking forward rather than being held back by one's past. It suggests that regardless of where you started in life, it is your aspirations and the journey you choose that will ultimately define your success and fulfillment.
In practice
In a motivational speech to inspire students to pursue their dreams despite their backgrounds.
A lot of singers think all they have to do is exercise their tonsils to get ahead. They refuse to look for new ideas and new outlets, so they fall by the wayside... I'm going to try to find out the new ideas before the others do.
Once, when we were playing at the Apollo Theater, Holiday was working a block away at the Harlem Opera House. Some of us went over between shows to catch her, and afterwards we went backstage. I did something then, and I still don't know if it was the right thing to doβI asked her for her autograph.
I've had some wonderful love affairs and some that didn't work out. I don't want to dwell on that and I don't want to put people down, but I think all the fabulous places I've been, the wonderful things that have happened for me, the great people I've met - that ought to make a story.
Some kids in Italy call me 'Mama Jazz; I thought that was so cute. As long as they don't call me 'Grandma Jazz.'
I'm very shy, and I shy away from people. But the moment I hit the stage, it's a different feeling I get nerve from somewhere; maybe it's because it's something I love to do.
I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly I stole from the horns.
The single largest pool of untapped resource in this world is human good intentions that never translate into action.
I always knew I was destined for greatness.
If Iβm committed, there is always a way.
Somebody is n the hospital begging God for the opportunity u have right now. Step into your moment.
If you can find a passion at a young age, somewhere between fifteen and thirty, if you can find that passion, I can pretty much guarantee you that you can be sixty-five and still love that passion and still have a reason to dance out of bed and down the hall every morning.
You have to understand how bad I wanted to be a comedian, how much I loved doing it. I still can't believe I get to do this for a living and have people come up and want to see me.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.