Originally, I wanted to be a composer. I always tell people, 'I think of myself as a composer.' — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
I wasn't so interested in being paid. I wanted to be heard. That's why I'm broke. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
Jerry Garcia was one of the original American icons. He played naturally and beautifully. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
Music has many uses and I think the most perfected use that music has is one of a healing quality. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
Musicians tell me, if what I'm doing is right, they should never have gone to school. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
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 Image
When I have them working together, it's like a beautiful kaleidoscope. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
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 Image
I think that those elements - light and sound - are beyond democratic. They're into the creative part of life. — Ornette Coleman Copy Share Image
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 Image
