Blues Quote by Jelly Roll Morton
“I do not claim any of the creation of the blues, although I have written many of them even before Mr. Handy had any blues published. I heard them when I was knee-high to a duck.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1920s Jazz Radio Broadcast, 1925
He acknowledges early exposure to blues and his role in shaping it, despite not originating the genre.
In simple terms: He learned blues early and helped develop it.
Recognize influences while creating.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- performance
- music education
- cultural preservation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance credit to predecessors with your own contributions?
- What defines true originality in music?
He may overstate his influence without evidence.