So, for instance, if you came to me, I'd ask,'Do you want to write? Do you want to improvise? Why do you want to play this instrument? What do you want to do?'

Quote by Ornette Coleman

Topics: Ornette Coleman Quotes

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...

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...

To me, human existence exists on a multiple level, not just on a two-dimensional level,...

To me, human existence exists on a multiple level, not just on a two-dimensional level,...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

I mean, if you decided to go out today and get you an instrument and...

I mean, if you decided to go out today and get you an instrument and...

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,...

Actually, I have another record I made with them in 1976, but I've had such...

Actually, I have another record I made with them in 1976, but I've had such...

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...

No one has to learn to spell to talk, right? You see a little kid...

No one has to learn to spell to talk, right? You see a little kid...

I decided, if I'm going to be poor and black and all, the least thing...

I decided, if I'm going to be poor and black and all, the least thing...

I don't really live like a musician myself. I think music is just something that...

I don't really live like a musician myself. I think music is just something that...

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...

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....

Most of my relationships have been like that - with record companies. I've never had...

Most of my relationships have been like that - with record companies. I've never had...

Originally, I wanted to be a composer. I always tell people, 'I think of myself...

Originally, I wanted to be a composer. I always tell people, 'I think of myself...