Family Quote by Harry Shearer
“People don't play music in New Orleans for the reasons they do in Nashville or L.A. - to become stars or to get rich - they play because they've got to. It's in the streets, in their family, in their blood.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Music of New Orleans, NPR, 2010
New Orleans musicians play out of cultural necessity, not for fame, reflecting community values and heritage.
In simple terms: Music is driven by tradition and community, not profit.
Key Takeaway
Respect and preserve local musical traditions.
Themes
culture
authenticity
community
Mood
celebratory
nostalgic
Type
cultural
motivational
When to use this quote
- local festivals
- music education
- cultural preservation programs
Key Concepts
heritage
social identity
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some communities prioritize cultural expression over profit?
- How can we support authentic local arts?
A Different Perspective
Commercial pressures can dilute authentic expression.
![“There were really funny characteristics about this guy [Richard Nixon], chief of which would be that he seemed to devote about 85 percent of his waking energy to suppressing any sign of his emotional response to anything that was going on around him, and the other 15 percent blurting out those…” quote by Harry Shearer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7f4/harry-shearer-7595_characteristics_there-were-really-funny-characteristics_50569.jpg)
