Ornette Coleman

I asked my mother could I have an instrument. She said, ‘Well if you go out and save your money.’ So I went and got – I made me a shine box. I went out and started shining shoes, and I’d bring whatever I made.

How can I turn emotion into knowledge? That’s what I try to do with my horn.

I think that those elements – light and sound – are beyond democratic. They’re into the creative part of life.

I wasn’t so interested in being paid. I wanted to be heard. That’s why I’m broke.

Dog spelled backward is God. That’s pretty heavy.

It’s easier to copy someone else than to find out how to avoid sounding like someone else.

There is two kinds of music, the good and the bad. I play the good kind.

I sing like I feel.

We all have idols. Play like anyone you care about, but try to be yourself while you’re doing so.

Some people try to get very philosophical and cerebral about what they’re trying to say with jazz. You don’t need any prologues, you just play. If you have something to say of any worth then people will listen to you.

Jazz is a living music; since its beginning has expressed the feelings, dreams and hopes of the people.

I’m gonna live till I die.

Your daddy’s rich and your ma is good lookin’ So hush little baby don’t you cry.

Music should never be harmless.

There’s a category for me. I like to be referred to as a good singer of good songs in good taste.

I often wonder whether Negroes like myself who are pretty well known help out at all in breaking down barriers.

When I achieved what I thought the musicians were trying to do, the sound sort of bloomed. When it’s right, everything is beautiful.

People complain about the music industry, but this is a great time to be a musician.

Music activates the brain at a high level.

I want to create music that’s therapeutic.

I think that those elements – light and sound – are beyond democratic. They’re into the creative part of life.