Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln

Jazz Singer, Actress

Abbey Lincoln was a celebrated jazz singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist known for her powerful voice and poignant lyrics that addressed social issues.

People Music Forever World Memories Voice
Born
August 6, 1930
Died
August 14, 2010
Quotes
12
Rank
#681

About Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln — Life and Legacy

Abbey Lincoln was a prominent jazz singer and songwriter whose work transcended music to address profound social issues, particularly those affecting the African American community. Her notable album, 'We Insist! Freedom Now Suite,' serves as a powerful artistic statement on civil rights and freedom, reflecting her deep commitment to activism. Lincoln's key ideas revolved around the intersection of art and social justice. She believed that music could be a vehicle for change, as seen in her poignant lyrics that often tackled themes of identity and freedom. One of her most impactful quotes, 'We are all we have,' encapsulates her philosophy of self-reliance and community, urging individuals to recognize their collective strength in the face of adversity. This perspective not only highlights her own struggles but also serves as a rallying cry for those seeking justice and equality. Today, Abbey Lincoln's quotes and music continue to resonate, reminding us of the ongoing struggles for freedom and identity. Her ability to articulate the complexities of the human experience through her art has left a lasting impact, inspiring new generations to confront their fears and embrace their true selves.

Quote collection

Abbey Lincoln quotes

12 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"The best thing you can do is to be a woman and stand before the world and speak your heart."

Heart World Speak
Read quote 50 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"There are men and women still on the streets, and that's all they are saying Can you spare a quarter? I come from a crowd of people who were current on the outlook on life, who were social and knew where they were and had some input into how things seemed to be."

Men Outlook On Life People
Read quote 7 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"I am the first instrument. I am the voice. I do not imitate other instruments. Other instruments imitate me."

Music Voice Singing
Read quote 7 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"I was looking for the people who were making the music inside the cabinet. I would look in there and see if I could find somebody who was making all this wonderful music."

People Looks Cabinets
Read quote 6 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"It's a spirit that was given me and the relationships and meeting all these great people, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong; through Max I met a lot of people too. My first album was with Benny Carter."

People Albums Max
Read quote 6 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"I don't have to lay on the couch and see a therapist because my therapist is in my paint brushes."

Paint Therapists Couches
Read quote 6 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"I was in New York, miserable because I was working supper clubs but I wasn't expressing myself. I was really unhappy with my life. I saw Max Roach again and he told me I didn't have to do things like that. He made me an honest woman on the stage. I have been performing in that tradition since. I feel that I'm a serious performer now whereas then I wanted to be but I didn't know how."

Music New York Unhappy
Read quote 5 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"I think that's what really a substantial work is, it's forever. It's the truth now and it was the truth then, and it will be the truth tomorrow."

Music Thinking Forever
Read quote 5 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"You can never loose a thing If it belongs to you."

Ifs
Read quote 5 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"But I've been there and done that. I'm not trying to prove anything to anybody, and if somebody wants me to come, if they can afford what I ask, it's not as much as Madonna makes; not that I want what Madonna makes, but I was saying."

Trying Done Want
Read quote 3 likes
Abbey Lincoln Jazz Singer, Actress
Popular

"We have inherited a great music. This music is a holdover. It comes with us like the skin, the texture of our hair. It's our memory banks."

Memories Hair Skins
Read quote 3 likes