We keep a database of awesome hand-picked quotes from a variety of authors, musicians, and key people about music, soul, jazz, musicianship, guitars and all things music! Every order you receive from our shop, find a fun new music quote on the bottom of your packing slip! Below are some of our favorites.
Whoa, smokestack lightnin', shinin' just like gold, why don't you hear me cryin'?
- Howlin' Wolf, Smokestack Lightnin, 1956
I'm gonna show you how to play the blues, you just sit here and watch me
- Howlin' Wolf
I heard pappa tell mamma, 'let that boy boogie'
- John Lee Hooker, Boogie Chillen', 1948
[John Coltrane's] 'A Love Supreme' wasn't a jazz record. They were just trying to make a musical statement.
- Ravi Coltrane, John's son
Home of the brave, land of the free, I don't wanna be mistreated by no bourgeoisie
- Lead Belly
I like what Bob Dylan does. Sometimes I wish I was a bit more like him.
- Paul McCartney, The Beatles
The whole world loves American movies, blue jeans, jazz and rock n roll.
- Billy Joel
Not that I'm playing it great, but still I oughtta still be able to hear it, know what I mean?
- Janis Joplin, Me & Bobby McGee outtake
Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people, and your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions
- Aretha Franklin
I'm gonna take it on down to Soulsville
- Isaac Hayes
When i forget what I’m doing or why I’m doing it, I play for my life.
- Jerry Garcia
Well here it is the late 1970s going on 1985, you know so much of the music we hear today is pre-programmed electronic disco we never get to hear bluesmen practicing their craft anymore
- Dan Aykroyd's Blues Brothers Introduction, opening for Steve Martin, September 9, 1978
He heard Sunnysland Slim play, Sunnyland Slim told him about me, so he got right in touch with me. I was working, driving a truck -- a beautiful little truck.
- Muddy Waters
Disneyland is Vegas for children.
- Tom Waits
Paul Butterfield's harmonica sorties against the surging heavily amplified rhythm of drums, electric guitar, organ and bass are without parallel in blues or jazz.
- Robert Shelton, The New York Times
[Chess Records] released ten thousand records [of Mojo Workin'] on Friday, by Saturday 1:00 you couldn't buy one. They were selling records then for .79 cents... I raised the price.
- Muddy Waters
Because that live version of Tipitina, oh sweet Lord. If the record had nothing else on it, it would still be a treasure beyond price.
- Actor Hugh Laurie (House, Fry & Laurie) on Professor Longhair
if i can't get me no sweet potato pie, I'm gonna get me some ass
- Howlin' Wolf
I've listened to a lot of great blues guitarists, but the two guys who I go back to consistently are Albert King and BB King. Their appeal never fades.
- Slash, Guitarist for Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, Slash's Blues Ball
Everyone talks about rock these days... the problem is they forget about the roll.
- Keith Richards