John McLaughlin

It’s not what you do, but the way you’re doing it and in the end that’s all that we have.

All the music that was ever heard came from the inner silence in every musician.

Music is born out of the inner sounds within a soul.

You can have the greatest player in terms of mastering an instrument and be yawning your head off.

Only in spontaneity can we be who we truly are.

True Jazz lovers understand the rhythms are infectious because they are the roots.

If you want to be a musician, study your craft. Study music.

Jazz is a mental attitude rather than a style. It uses a certain process of the mind expressed spontaneously through some musical instrument. I’m concerned with retaining that process.

I’ve been married twice. Most women would rather not be married to a traveling blues singer.

I was always exposed to music. Mom and dad would have the radio on constantly.

No one remembers who wrote the tune, putting pen to paper in some lonely place. They remember who had the hit.

Jazz music is collective creativity.

The idea is more important than the style you’re playing in.

I think music needs to be of its time and speak to that time.

I’m a big fan of music, a student. I just wanna learn and keep enhancing my education about Jazz.

There are no natural barriers. It’s all music.

Jazz music is our original American culture.

The true artform is being a human being.

I like people who have worked long and hard, developing through introspection and dedication.

He knows I rip him off every day. He’s the godfather for me. Nobody can say they aren’t influenced by what Stevie Wonder has done.