Cy Coleman Quotes

Powerful Cy Coleman for Daily Growth

About Cy Coleman

Cy Coleman (born Seymour Kaufman, December 15, 1929 – November 14, 2001) was an American composer, pianist, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of musical theatre. Born in New York City, Coleman grew up in a musically inclined family; his mother played piano, and his father sang in synagogue choirs. This early exposure to music ignited Coleman's passion for music at an early age. After serving in the military, he started his career as a jazz pianist, performing with bands led by Woody Herman, Gene Krupa, and Cozy Cole. However, it was his love for musical theatre that ultimately led him to write scores for Broadway shows. Coleman's first major work, "Wildcat" (1960), set the tone for his future compositions. His breakthrough came with "Sweet Charity" (1966) which brought him two Tony Awards - Best Score and Best Original Song ("Big Spender"). Other notable works include "Barnum" (1980), "City of Angels" (1989), and "The Will Rogers Follies" (1991). Each of these productions showcased Coleman's ability to blend jazz, blues, and Broadway styles seamlessly. In addition to his Broadway successes, Coleman also composed numerous film scores, including "Goodbye Charlie" (1964), "The Art of Love" (1965), and "Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance" (1989). Cy Coleman's music will forever be remembered for its infectious rhythms, lush harmonies, and witty lyrics that continue to entertain audiences worldwide. Despite his many accolades, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Coleman remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his passing in 2001 at the age of 71. His legacy lives on through the timeless music he created, inspiring future generations of composers in musical theatre.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"A lot of what passes for happiness is just a high level of boredom."

This quote suggests that people often mistake a lack of excitement or stimulation in their lives as true happiness. In other words, when there's little to no challenge or change in one's routine, they might feel content but not genuinely happy. It encourages individuals to seek out experiences and challenges beyond their comfort zones to truly appreciate the joy and fulfillment that life has to offer.

"When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When it's full circle, back you come."

This quote suggests that life is a unique and often unconventional journey (the "freak show"), and everyone has their own individuality or quirks. We are all born into this world with our own set of characteristics, experiences, and perspectives, which make us unique. Eventually, when we complete our life's cycle, we return to where we came from, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the cyclical nature of existence. The quote encourages us to embrace our individuality and live our lives fully, as there is a beginning and an end to our time on Earth.

"Sometimes you gotta dance a little bit in the storm."

The quote by Cy Coleman, "Sometimes you gotta dance a little bit in the storm," suggests finding joy and resilience amidst life's challenges. It encourages people to keep moving forward, even during difficult times, with the idea that embracing moments of happiness can help one weather through adversity more gracefully. This interpretation underscores the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and seeking out moments of pleasure in order to find strength and perseverance when facing life's storms.

"It's not where you start from, it's where you end up that counts."

This quote emphasizes the idea that one's ultimate destination or outcome is more significant than the starting point in life. It encourages resilience and optimism by suggesting that no matter where or how one begins, with perseverance and determination, it's possible to reach a fulfilling and successful end. The focus should be on progress and growth, rather than dwelling on past circumstances.

"Life is just a song, sing it well."

This quote by Cy Coleman emphasizes that life should be approached with enthusiasm, grace, and passion, much like a beautifully sung song. It encourages us to make the most of our time on Earth, living each moment fully, expressing ourselves authentically, and cherishing the journey as we navigate its ups and downs. In essence, it's a call to live life with purpose, vigor, and a sense of melody that resonates with others.

To put it in musician's terms, my chops are good.

- Cy Coleman

Good, Musician, Terms, Chops

We're doing a workshop over the first two weeks of December, I believe, with Graciella Daniele directing it.

- Cy Coleman

Doing, Over, Weeks, Two Weeks

Since I was the solo artist as well as the writer for the songs, I figured I had enough credits on it already.

- Cy Coleman

Artist, Had Enough, Solo, Credits

I decided during my teens that I wasn't going to have the life of a concert pianist, much to the chagrin of a lot of people who had put a lot of money into me!

- Cy Coleman

Concert, Going, Had, Chagrin

I'm trying to get hold of them... the trouble is a lot of the companies that recorded and produced the albums went bust, so I don't know where to get the masters.

- Cy Coleman

Masters, Them, Albums, Produced

Someone skipped on the rent and they left behind a huge upright piano, which got moved into our apartment so the other apartment could get rented out. I took to it and started playing.

- Cy Coleman

Behind, Which, Took, Upright

I used to perform all the time but I haven't performed in New York in a very long time.

- Cy Coleman

New, Very, Very Long Time, Performed

So I went into jazz and performed in jazz clubs all over the country.

- Cy Coleman

Country, Jazz, Over, Performed

When I was four years old, my mother owned some tenements in the Bronx.

- Cy Coleman

Mother, Some, Bronx, Owned

My background was in performing originally.

- Cy Coleman

Performing, Background, Originally

I'm lucky to be in a profession where you can keep getting better.

- Cy Coleman

Lucky, Profession, Getting, Getting Better

I have a bunch of albums I would love to get re-released.

- Cy Coleman

Love, Get, Would, Albums

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