Originally, I wanted to be a composer. I always tell people, 'I think of myself as a composer.' — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
I've had those people very interested in my writing. Since I think of myself as a composer, I feel really good. I've had lots of guys call me up. I've gotten two or three commissions to write things. I've written… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
Jerry Garcia was one of the original American icons. He played naturally and beautifully. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
That's why I haven't been so anxious. But now, lots of people write and say, 'I want to find out what you're doing.' So… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
No one has to learn to spell to talk, right? You see a little kid holding a conversation with an adult. He probably doesn't… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
I've never had a relationship with a record executive. I always went to the record company by someone that liked my playing. Then they… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
Music has many uses and I think the most perfected use that music has is one of a healing quality. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
Musicians tell me, if what I'm doing is right, they should never have gone to school. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
I'm interested in music, not in my image. If someone plays something fantastic, that I could never have thought of, it makes me happy… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
After I left Texas and went to California, I had a hard time getting anyone to play anything that I was writing, so I… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
I think that those elements - light and sound - are beyond democratic. They're into the creative part of life. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
I don't really live like a musician myself. I think music is just something that I do, but I'd like to be doing lots… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
Whatever you do, it's over when you do it - but first you have to do it. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
I remember once I read a book on mental illness and there was a nurse that had gotten sick. Do you know what she… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
Most of my relationships have been like that - with record companies. I've never had a legitimate business relationship with a company. I've always… — Ornette Coleman Copy Share
