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

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...

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....

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

I've been playing with Blackwell over 20 years. We used to play when I first...

I've been playing with Blackwell over 20 years. We used to play when I first...

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...

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 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 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...

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 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...

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'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...