Don Was Quotes

Powerful Don Was for Daily Growth

About Don Was

Don Was (born Donald Fagenson Jr., October 14, 1952) is an acclaimed American musician, record producer, and executive in the music industry. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he grew up in a musically inclined family and developed a passion for blues, jazz, and rock music at an early age. Was began his musical career as a bassist in high school bands before joining the band Tigert, which later evolved into Was (Not Was), a successful pop-funk group known for their eclectic mix of genres and socially conscious lyrics. After the dissolution of Was (Not Was) in 1991, Don Was pursued a career as a record producer, working with notable artists such as Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and Willie Nelson. His production work earned him multiple Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) in 2006. In addition to his work with various bands and artists, Was also served as the President of Blue Note Records from 1994 to 2007, where he oversaw the release of numerous critically acclaimed albums. In 2007, Don Was was appointed the Dean of the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance, a position he held until 2016. During his tenure, he implemented changes to modernize the curriculum and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration between departments. He continues to be an active musician, producer, and executive in the music industry, with recent collaborations including work with John Hiatt and Bob Seger. Don Was's unique blend of musical styles, socially conscious lyrics, and dedication to nurturing talent have made him a significant figure in American music. His diverse career spanning multiple decades highlights his versatility and adaptability within the ever-evolving music industry.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is like a conversation between composers and listeners."

This quote by Don Was emphasizes the interactive and collaborative nature of music, suggesting that it's not just about the creators (composers), but also about the audience (listeners). In essence, music is a dialogue where composers express their ideas, feelings, and stories, while listeners engage with these expressions by interpreting them in their unique ways. Thus, every listening experience enriches the music, making it an evolving conversation that transcends time and space.


"Making records is such a collaborative process, you have to find the right people for the project."

This quote highlights the teamwork and collaboration that are essential in producing quality music records. According to Don Was, a successful recording project requires finding suitable partners or musicians who can contribute their unique skills to bring out the best in the creative vision. Essentially, Was emphasizes that the creation of a record is not a solitary endeavor but rather a collective effort that thrives on the synergy and collaboration between artists.


"You can't teach creativity, but you can create an environment where creativity can flourish."

This quote suggests that while it may be impossible to directly teach creativity as a skill or ability, we can certainly foster conditions that encourage creativity to grow and thrive in individuals. By creating an open, supportive, and stimulating environment – one that encourages experimentation, curiosity, and the freedom to express ideas – we can help nurture the creative potential that already exists within people.


"The best way to learn is by doing, and that goes for making music as well."

Don Was' quote emphasizes the importance of practical experience in mastering a skill, specifically in the context of music-making. In other words, learning through hands-on experience, practice, and application is crucial for achieving proficiency. This idea can be applied to various domains beyond music, suggesting that active engagement and practice are key to personal growth and expertise.


"Music is a universal language that speaks to the heart and soul of people."

The quote underscores the unifying power of music across cultures, transcending linguistic barriers. It emphasizes how music communicates profound emotions and sentiments universally, connecting with the emotional depths of individuals - their hearts and souls. This quote captures the essence of music as a means to convey shared human experiences and foster empathy among people.


I would say that longtime fans of the Rolling Stones will be thrilled with these results, and new fans will understand why they're the greatest rock'n'roll band in the world.

- Don Was

New, Will, Longtime, Thrilled

I did drop out of school.

- Don Was

School, Out, Did, Drop

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