As soon as it was understood that we could handle things in our own way, it was the thrill of my life to walk out on that stage with people just hemming the band in.
BENNY GOODMANThere was a lot of playing going on, and the New Yorkers, of course, were a completely different crowd from what I’d known.
More Benny Goodman Quotes
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Creativity grows out of two things: curiosity & imagination.
BENNY GOODMAN -
I don’t have any great love for Chicago. What the hell, a childhood around Douglas Park isn’t very memorable. I remember the street fights and how you were afraid to cross the bridge ’cause the Irish kid on the other side would beat your head in. I left Chicago a long time ago.
BENNY GOODMAN -
One way or the other, if you want to find reasons why you shouldn’t keep on, you’ll find ‘em. The obstacles are all there; there are a million of ‘em.
BENNY GOODMAN -
If you want to do something, you do it anyway, and handle the obstacles as they come.
BENNY GOODMAN -
When I first arrived (in New York), it seemed to me the most terrifying city in the world… all those big buildings.
BENNY GOODMAN -
It takes the black keys and the white keys both, to make perfect harmony.
BENNY GOODMAN -
Sometimes when you start losing detail, whether it’s in music or in life, something as small as failing to be polite, you start to lose substance.
BENNY GOODMAN -
I remember Glenn Miller coming to me once, before he had his own band, saying, How do you do it? How do you get started? It’s so difficult. I told him, I don’t know but whatever you do don’t stop. Just keep on going.
BENNY GOODMAN -
There was a lot of playing going on, and the New Yorkers, of course, were a completely different crowd from what I’d known.
BENNY GOODMAN -
You have to have the courage and confidence in your own ability. You have to know what the hell and who the hell you are in this business. Music may change, but I don’t think that ever will.
BENNY GOODMAN -
I think my first impression (of Bix Beiderbecke) was the lasting one. I remember very clearly thinking, ‘Where, what planet, did this guy come from? Is he from outer space?’
BENNY GOODMAN -
If a guy’s got it, let him give it. I’m selling music, not prejudice.
BENNY GOODMAN -
Too many young musicians today want to win polls before they learn their instruments.
BENNY GOODMAN -
To this day, I don’t like people walking on stage not looking good. You have to look good. If you feel special about yourself then you’re going to play special.
BENNY GOODMAN -
If I have something I want to do, I make a business of doing it.
BENNY GOODMAN