Always Quote by George Shearing
“I think it was Duke Ellington who once said that we're always most pleased with our current record. I mean, you have to assume that you learn from one, and you do something better next time.”
About This Quote
Source Quote attributed in music biography, 1995
We tend to favor our latest work, assuming it reflects growth, yet true improvement comes from learning from past efforts.
In simple terms: People love their newest work, but learning matters.
Key Takeaway
Embrace past mistakes to improve.
Themes
creativity
self‑assessment
growth
Mood
analytical
inspirational
Type
artistic
motivational
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- performance
- practice routines
- feedback loops
- career development
Key Concepts
learning theory
musical evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate genuine improvement?
- What role does reflection play in your craft?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on novelty can ignore deeper progress.
![“I learned from Ethel Waters, Duke Ellington, Adelaide Hall, the Nicholas Brothers, the whole thing, the whole schmear. [The Cotton Club] was a great place because it hired us, for one thing, at a time when it was really rough [for Black performers].” quote by Lena Horne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9f/lena-horne-15555_adelaide_i-learned-from-ethel-waters-duke-ellingt_478684.jpg)
![“[Prince] could very well be the Duke Ellington of Rock 'n' Roll.” quote by Miles Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0fa/miles-davis-1842_dukes_prince-could-very-well-be-the-duke-ellin_142140.jpg)
![“I always tell people, it took me 10 minutes and 35 years in the business. I get tired of playing it ["Lullaby of Birdland"], but not of collecting the royalties.” quote by George Shearing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5df/george-shearing-24479_business_i-always-tell-people-it-took-me-10-minut_2286122.jpg)
