Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader who had a profound influence on the music of the 20th century. His compositions, which spanned a wide range of styles including jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music, were among the most influential popular music of their time. Along with his musical accomplishments, Ellington was also renowned for his wit and wisdom. Throughout his life he offered up many memorable quotes that have been quoted by millions and serve as a timeless source of inspiration to this day.”Music is my mistress, and she plays second fiddle to no one.” – Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington Quotes on Life
Duke Ellington was one of the most influential jazz composers and performers of all time. His music has been celebrated and honored for decades, and his legacy still lives on today. His words have also been celebrated, with many noting his wisdom and insight into life. Here are some of Duke Ellington’s most memorable quotes on life:
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”
“It’s no good to be complacent – there’s always something more to learn.”
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”
“We should all do something to right the wrongs we see in the world.”
“You can’t take anything for granted, you have to work hard for what you want in life.”
“Life is more than just a passing fancy – it’s an adventure waiting to be explored.”
“You can’t judge a book by its cover, or a person by their appearance.”
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
A Famous Duke Ellington Quotes
One of the most famous quotes attributed to Duke Ellington is, “There are two kinds of music, good music and the other kind.” The quote succinctly captures the essence of jazz: it’s all about the quality of the music. Ellington was a master composer and performer who had a keen ear for what made a great piece of music. He was also known for his ability to take something simple and make it extraordinary.
Another famous Duke Ellington quote is, “If it sounds good, it is good.” This speaks to Ellington’s philosophy that quality should come before anything else when creating music. He believed that if something sounded bad, even if it was technically correct, then it was not worthy of being called music. Quality was always paramount in his work.
Ellington also had a great appreciation for the power of collaboration. In one of his quotes he states, “I don’t need any ideas from others; I just need them to help me execute my own.” This speaks to his belief that togetherness can create something greater than any individual alone could create. The power of collaboration was an essential theme in many of his works.
Lastly, Ellington’s quote “There are more things between heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy” speaks to his openness and willingness to explore new possibilities in music. He was never content with simply recreating what had been done before; rather he sought out uncharted territory and pushed boundaries in order to create something truly unique and remarkable.
These quotes encapsulate Duke Ellington’s approach to music: quality first, collaboration second, and innovation third. He believed that true creativity comes from pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities; that together we can create something greater than we could ever create on our own; and above all else, strive for excellence in all that we do.
Inspirational Duke Ellington Quotes
Duke Ellington was a well-known composer, pianist, and bandleader of jazz music. He was a major figure in the history of jazz music and is considered one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. He composed and performed thousands of pieces in his lifetime, many of which became renowned classics. In addition to his musical genius, Ellington was also renowned for his clever and inspirational quotes. Here are some of the best Duke Ellington quotes that will inspire you.
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” This quote speaks to the power of perseverance and hard work. It reminds us that no matter how difficult something may seem, it can be overcome with determination and effort.
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” This quote is all about being creative and having fun with your music. It’s a reminder to not take things too seriously and to enjoy what you’re doing. Music should be fun!
“My music will tell you more about me than anything I could say.” Music has always been a way for people to express themselves, and this quote speaks to that idea. It’s a reminder that your art is an extension of yourself, so make sure it reflects who you are.
“I’m not concerned with developing technique; my purpose is to develop feeling.” This quote speaks to the importance of emotion in music. While technique is important, feeling is even more so; it’s what really connects us with the music we make.
“The wise musician knows when to play and when not to play.” This quote speaks to the importance of restraint when performing. Knowing when not to play can be just as important as knowing when to play; it helps create tension in your playing which can add a lot of depth.
“You’ve got to find some way of saying it without saying it.” This quote reminds us that musical expression can often be more powerful than words. Music can communicate ideas without needing words; sometimes all you need is an interesting melody or rhythm pattern.
These are just some of the many inspirational Duke Ellington quotes that have helped shape modern jazz music as we know it today. Whether you’re a musician or just appreciate great music, these quotes are sure to inspire you!
Motivational Duke Ellington Quotes
Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist and bandleader who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in jazz music. His ability to compose music that was both complex and accessible made him an icon in the jazz world. He was also a great source of inspiration and insight into the creative process, as evidenced by his many memorable quotes. Here are a few of Duke Ellington’s most motivational quotes:
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”
This quote speaks to Ellington’s philosophy that challenges should be embraced rather than feared. It encourages us to view each obstacle we encounter as an opportunity to grow and learn, rather than something to be avoided.
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”
This quote is one of Ellington’s most famous sayings and speaks to the importance of having passion for what you do. He believed that having enthusiasm for your work is essential in order for it to truly shine.
“A creative artist works on his next composition because he was not satisfied with his previous one.”
This quote speaks to Ellington’s commitment to continually improving himself and his work. It serves as a reminder that true success comes from never settling for mediocrity, but always striving towards greatness.
“There are simply no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
This quote reminds us that success takes time and dedication, and there will be no shortcuts along the way. It encourages us to stay focused on our goals, no matter how difficult they may seem at first.
Uplifting Duke Ellington Quotes
The legendary Duke Ellington was a jazz musician, composer, and bandleader of the 1920s and 1930s. He is credited with bringing jazz to Broadway and making it accessible to millions of people. His music has continued to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. Here are some uplifting Duke Ellington quotes that will leave you feeling inspired:
“Life is a game, play it.” – Duke Ellington
“We all need somebody to lean on.” – Duke Ellington
“Music is my mistress, and she plays second fiddle to no one.” – Duke Ellington
“Love is supreme and unconditional; like is nice but limited.” – Duke Ellington
“You’ve got to be original because if you’re like someone else, what do they need you for?” – Duke Ellington
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” – Duke Ellington
“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.” – Duke Ellington
“It doesn’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” – Duke Ellington
“You’ve got to find some way of saying it without saying it.” – Duke Ellington
Wise Duke Ellington Quotes
Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader who was one of the most influential figures in jazz music. He is remembered for his innovative compositions, outstanding solo performances, and remarkable bandleading skills. Here are some wise quotes from Duke Ellington that will inspire you to pursue your dreams and make the most of life:
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”
“In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love?”
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!”
“If it sounds good, it is good.”
“You’ve got to find some way of saying it without saying it.”
“I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.”
“Music is my mistress and she plays second fiddle to no one.”
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”
“There are simply no limits to the human capacity for growth and development once we tap into our own creative resources.”
Funny Duke Ellington Quotes
Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist and bandleader who is considered one of the most influential figures in jazz music. He was known for his wit and humor as well as his musical genius, and he often made humorous quips about his work and life. Here are some of Duke Ellington’s best funny quotes:
“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”
“I’m no genius. I’m smart in spots — but I stay around those spots.”
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”
“If it sounds good, it is good.”
“Music is my mistress, and she plays second fiddle to no one.”
“My music isn’t just music — it’s medicine.”
“There are two kinds of music: good music, and the other kind.”
Conclusion
Duke Ellington’s quotes have been an inspiration to many. The words of wisdom and insight he provided throughout his lifetime have left a lasting impression on those who have heard them. His words can be seen in many aspects of life, from the music industry to business to relationships. Whether it be a reminder to stay humble or an encouragement to take risks, his words have been a source of guidance and comfort for generations. Duke Ellington’s quotes will continue to inspire people for generations to come, and will be remembered as some of the most influential sayings in history.
His works continue to influence and inspire people around the world. He is remembered for his works and accomplishments as much as for his inspirational words. As we look back at Duke Ellington’s life, we can see that he lived by the advice he gave in his quotes — always striving for excellence, never compromising on quality, and being humble despite success. He was an example of what someone can achieve with passion, hard work, and dedication — something that we can all strive towards.
Duke Ellington is remembered not only for his music but also for the timeless lessons he has left us with through his quotes. By reflecting on them, we can gain valuable knowledge that will help us in our everyday lives. Let’s all remember his wise words and use them as motivation to keep moving forward!