"I was born in Memphis. There was music all around me, really deep and special music. I heard all these great masters at a young age.There was a great genius in my town, Phineas Newborn, who is one of the greatest pianists ever on the planet. He took me under his wings at about 9 and he put me on the right track."
About Charles Lloyd
Charles Lloyd — Life and Legacy
Charles Lloyd is a celebrated jazz musician whose work has significantly influenced the genre. Known for his unique blend of jazz, blues, and world music, Lloyd's contributions have reshaped the landscape of contemporary jazz. His philosophy centers around the idea that music is a profound form of expression, as he once stated, 'music is a way of life.' This perspective highlights his belief that music transcends mere performance, serving as a vital means of communicating deep human emotions. Lloyd's compositions often reflect themes of freedom and individuality, allowing musicians to improvise and express their personal narratives. His album 'Forest Flower' exemplifies this approach, where each note resonates with a sense of liberation and emotional depth. Through his music, Lloyd challenges conventional boundaries, encouraging both performers and listeners to embrace their authentic selves. Today, Charles Lloyd's quotes and music continue to inspire, reminding us of the transformative power of art and the importance of expressing one's true identity. His work resonates with audiences, emphasizing that freedom in expression is essential for both the artist and the listener.
Quote collection
Charles Lloyd quotes
12 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I dream of a peaceful world. Music is the best means I have to work on that dream. Each time I have the opportunity to play, it is another chance to tell the truth. Life on the planet has come down to such an acute degree of ADD it is terrifying. We are constantly being bombarded from all directions with information - most of it useless that serves to bifurcate the mind. I am afraid that people are going to go from birth to death and never know they were here or why they were here."
"My music, it breathes. It's the mysticism of sound. I'm a sound seeker, and I'm enthralled with it, by what it can do to change the molecules and uplift people. They feel something when we play. I can't take authorship for that. I can take that I'm in service."
"I was a time bomb waiting to detonate, burned out, sick of the music business, out of touch with everything and heavily abusing various substances, disillusioned with life, and intensely needed to work on my character. The only way I could see to do that was to withdraw completely from public life as I had known it before."
"The youngster in me is still alive and kicking. I was infected by music at a very young age, so it's always kept me younger than springtime."
"Spirituality is a word that is bandied about a lot. So I think it might mean different things to different people. I know that the United States of America is something of a religious country, but not necessarily a spiritual country."
"I was always moved by all of the music. As a young man, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton, Count Basie and all these great musicians would come through our town of Memphis. There wasn't adequate hotels, so these musicians - the lady who ran the theater knew my mother, who had a large house, and many of them would stay with us. So that was another great blessing, so I'm always around these great geniuses, and to realize their humanity is such a touching thing."
"[Jazz] is a music of freedom and wonder. It's our indigenous art form, and I'm still blessed to travel around the world and people lay out the carpet for us, so it's quite touching."
"I think when you love music, you love a lot of it. Now when it comes to jazz, it's very much in the hyperions of height. You go exploring every night."
"All my life I'm trying to go forward and trying to grow."
"Tim Price is truly blessed - he plays music because he loves it."
"I think that music makers just really bless the planet."