Art Quote by Pharoah Sanders
“I'm not a jazz artist. Don't get me wrong now, it's all music to me. I just played music and if it's likeable, someone liked the sound, then fine, but I'm not interested in being a jazz musician. I don't consider myself a jazz musician. I don't have anything to do with that word.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Perspectives, 1998
The speaker rejects the label “jazz musician,” emphasizing personal connection to music over genre identity, suggesting identity can be limiting.
In simple terms: Labels can restrict artistic freedom.
Key Takeaway
Define yourself by your music, not genre.
Themes
identity
creativity
music
Mood
thoughtful
defiant
Type
artistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- performance
- personal branding
- education
Key Concepts
self‑concept
genre theory
artistic freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- Do labels help or hinder artistic expression?
- How can artists communicate beyond genre?
A Different Perspective
Genre labels can still influence audience expectations.
![“He didn't say nothing. He would just do things. He never said nothing or explained nothing. He just would do it and that was it. You were on your own. You had to be very independent being around John [Coltrane].” quote by Pharoah Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b0c/pharoah-sanders-51634_coltrane_he-didn-t-say-nothing-he-would-just-do-t_1943227.jpg)
![“[John Coltrane] liked my qualities as a person and that's the reason why he let me play with him. It wasn't what I was doing musically or my instrument or anything like that. He let me play whatever I wanted to play.” quote by Pharoah Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dbd/pharoah-sanders-51634_coltrane_john-coltrane-liked-my-qualities-as-a-pe_2964373.jpg)
