I decided, if I'm going to be poor and black and all, the least thing I'm going to do is to try and find out who I am. I created everything about me.

Quote by Ornette Coleman

Topics: Ornette Coleman Quotes

It's just someone has labelled us as having a different label to do what you...

It's just someone has labelled us as having a different label to do what you...

You don't have to worry about being a number one, number two, or number three....

You don't have to worry about being a number one, number two, or number three....

I don't know what they're thinking about. Just because someone says, 'I like what you...

I don't know what they're thinking about. Just because someone says, 'I like what you...

It seems to me that in the western world, culture has something to do with...

It seems to me that in the western world, culture has something to do with...

Actually, when I was in elementary school, I saw a saxophone. A band came to...

Actually, when I was in elementary school, I saw a saxophone. A band came to...

I've never had a relationship with a record executive. I always went to the record...

I've never had a relationship with a record executive. I always went to the record...

So, for instance, if you came to me, I'd ask,'Do you want to write? Do...

So, for instance, if you came to me, I'd ask,'Do you want to write? Do...

After I left Texas and went to California, I had a hard time getting anyone...

After I left Texas and went to California, I had a hard time getting anyone...

That's what I was trying to say when we were talking about sound. I think...

That's what I was trying to say when we were talking about sound. I think...

Even when you write it, someone's got to play it. So if you can play...

Even when you write it, someone's got to play it. So if you can play...

It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was...

It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was...

I think that those elements - light and sound - are beyond democratic. They're into...

I think that those elements - light and sound - are beyond democratic. They're into...

I asked my mother could I have an instrument. She said, 'Well if you go...

I asked my mother could I have an instrument. She said, 'Well if you go...

Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after...

Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after...

I've had those people very interested in my writing. Since I think of myself as...

I've had those people very interested in my writing. Since I think of myself as...

I remember once, we got an interview, and he said, 'Dad, these people are writing...

I remember once, we got an interview, and he said, 'Dad, these people are writing...

I had a really good time in New Orleans, although I had some very tragic...

I had a really good time in New Orleans, although I had some very tragic...

If you decide you want to be treated good, and you treat someone else good,...

If you decide you want to be treated good, and you treat someone else good,...

It just makes that person feel that what his work is is going to be...

It just makes that person feel that what his work is is going to be...

I remember once I read a book on mental illness and there was a nurse...

I remember once I read a book on mental illness and there was a nurse...