Freddie Hubbard

Jazz Trumpeter

Freddie Hubbard was a pioneering jazz trumpeter known for his innovative contributions to the genre, particularly in the realms of hard bop and avant-garde jazz.

Born
April 7, 1936
Died
December 29, 2008
Quotes
14
Rank
#1041

About Freddie Hubbard

Freddie Hubbard — Life and Legacy

Freddie Hubbard was a prominent jazz trumpeter whose innovative style and bold experimentation significantly shaped the landscape of modern jazz. Known for his virtuosic technique and distinctive sound, Hubbard's work in the 1960s, particularly on albums like 'Ready for Freddie' and 'Open Sesame,' showcased his ability to blend complex harmonies with emotive expression. Hubbard's philosophy centered around the idea that music is a powerful medium for change. His quote, 'Music is the only thing that can change the world,' encapsulates his belief in the transformative power of jazz. This perspective drove him to challenge existing norms, pushing the boundaries of the genre with his unique approach to improvisation and composition. His influence extends beyond his recordings; Hubbard inspired countless musicians to explore their own voices and take creative risks. His assertion that 'the only way to play is to play' reflects his commitment to authenticity and spontaneity, encouraging artists to embrace their individuality. Today, Hubbard's quotes and ideas resonate with musicians and listeners alike, reminding us of the profound impact that creativity can have on our lives.

Quote collection

Freddie Hubbard quotes

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

Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"I quit drinking, so I can think clear. When you have chop trouble, drinking doesn't help the healing process."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"I advise all the young kids to not overwork. You can't be out there blowing hard. You have to pace yourself."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"Jazz isn't like pop, where you sell millions of records with a hit. Your spirit and soul aren't important in pop music. But jazz is like classical music. If people like you, they'll remember you and you'll last forever."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"Don't make the mistakes I made of not taking care of myself. Please, keeps your chops cool and don't overblow. If you are going to play hard, be sure to warm up. I'd get carried away trying to stay right with the momentum [of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers]. I used to try and play like Coltrane and solo for 30 or 40 choruses. It all caught up with me."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"When I got started in New York, if you were different from Miles & Dizzy it was very difficult."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"When you are trying to do something when you are getting started and you are trying to make records for the first time, you want it to be the best."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"Man, you'd be surprised how much I'm learning - not only about myself, but about the musicians who came before me. You don't realize at first when you listen to Armstrong's records how great this man was and how hard that Hot Five music was to play. After the experience of reading and playing those parts, I have an even greater respect for Louis Armstrong than before"

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"I used to try to play like [Miles Davis], and Miles caught me copying him one night at Birdland. He said, 'Hey man, why don't you play some of your own stuff.' So, I finally did, because I had copied all his solos."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"We all kind of grew up together with Art Blakey because we all were young and he gave us a chance to write. We had to write something that was good and to sit up with a great guy like Art Blakey and watch him."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"Well, my sister played trumpet. Can you imagine having a sister blowing the trumpet around the house, Fred? And my brother, he played piano. Everybody was playing some kind of music, so it was natural for me to get into it."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"[Lee Morgan] was the only young cat that scared me when he played. He had so much fire and natural feeling. I had more technique, but he had that feeling. People seemed to like him more than they like me at the beginning."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"Dizzy used to tell me I'm playing too hard. He'd say to not give everything. Miles told me that too."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"A very few musicians passed across all decades. In terms of trumpet playing, Louis Armstrong does it of course but Sweets [Edison] is right up there too. He is unique, in every sense of the term."

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Freddie Hubbard Jazz Trumpeter
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"They always want to sell me as a hard bopper."

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