George Thorogood Quotes

Powerful George Thorogood for Daily Growth

About George Thorogood

George Thorogood, born on January 24, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware, is an eminent American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has made significant contributions to blues rock music. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Thorogood was heavily influenced by the blues greats such as Elmore James, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, and Chuck Berry. At the age of 16, Thorogood founded The George Thorogood & The Destroyers, a band that would become his long-standing musical partner. They released their debut album, "George Thorogood & The Delaware Destroyers," in 1974, but it was their follow-up, "Move It On Over" (1977), that catapulted them to stardom with the title track becoming a blues rock classic. Thorogood's unique style of combining his love for the blues with a raw, aggressive edge resonated with audiences. His third album, "Bad to the Bone" (1982), further cemented his status as a blues rock icon with the title track becoming one of the most recognizable songs in rock music. Other notable works include "House Rent Boogie: The Best of George Thorogood & The Destroyers" (1978) and "Madison Square Garden Blues" (1993). Thorogood's influence extends beyond his music, with numerous musicians citing him as a key inspiration. He has been inducted into the International Blues Hall of Fame and continues to tour and perform, keeping the spirit of blues rock alive for new generations. His enduring legacy lies in his ability to modernize the blues while remaining faithful to its roots, making him an essential figure in American music history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Hustle up baby, it's rock and roll time."

This quote by George Thorogood expresses a sense of urgency, excitement, and anticipation for the beginning of a high-energy rock and roll experience. It encourages listeners or participants to prepare themselves, as the moment for unbridled, lively entertainment is about to unfold. The phrase "hustle up" adds an element of dynamism, suggesting that it's time to move quickly and with purpose in order to be part of this electrifying event. In essence, George Thorogood invites people to immerse themselves in the raw, passionate spirit of rock 'n' roll music.


"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

This quote, attributed to George Thorogood, conveys the idea that while we may not have control over external circumstances (represented by the wind), we do have agency in how we respond to those circumstances (adjusting our sails). By being adaptable and resilient, we can still achieve our goals or reach our destination. It's a reminder that life is full of challenges, but with persistence, flexibility, and determination, we can navigate through them and arrive at where we want to be.


"You can't please everyone, and you can't make everybody like you."

George Thorogood's quote underscores the inherent challenge of trying to appease or be liked by everyone. It suggests that it is an impossible task to satisfy every person we encounter due to differences in personality, preferences, values, and expectations. The message encourages individuals to focus on being authentic and true to themselves, rather than attempting to conform to the standards or desires of others.


"I don't have a backup plan. I don't believe in them."

George Thorogood's quote underscores his unwavering confidence and commitment to his dreams, as he does not subscribe to the concept of having a backup plan or contingency. He believes that focusing on alternatives diverts energy from pursuing one's primary goal with full conviction and determination. This perspective emphasizes the importance of wholehearted dedication to personal passions, fostering resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.


"It takes a lot of talent to be this uncreative." (Referring to playing cover songs)

This quote, spoken by George Thorogood, is an acknowledgment that while performing covers may seem simple or unoriginal, it requires significant talent to do so effectively. He implies that mastering another artist's work, making it sound fresh and authentic, is not a trivial task. In essence, he highlights the importance of interpretative skill and appreciation for original music in the process of covering songs.


This music has been around since before the beard on Moses. I happed to do it very well and I happen to have a lot of groovy songs that I know people are going to dig. I know more about it than you do.

- George Thorogood

Dig, Been, Very, Groovy

Classic Rock radio gave us our longevity.

- George Thorogood

Rock, Classic, Gave, Classic Rock

The reason it has lasted for 30 years is for one reason and one reason only: Classic Rock radio.

- George Thorogood

Rock, Reason, Classic, Classic Rock

When people come to the show they think we are a legendary band because they hear us on Classic Rock radio all the time. It is psychological. That's okay - I'm down with that.

- George Thorogood

Think, Okay, Psychological, Classic Rock

You can't rely on luck. I've had some stages in my career where I've said we're going to wing it, and we've always ended up in trouble.

- George Thorogood

Career, Some, Always, Stages

Every time the guys were knocked out by my guitar playing and the girls were knocked out by the type of songs I did. That set us apart from the average blues band.

- George Thorogood

Knocked, Average, Set, Guitar Playing

Look at Gleason in The Honeymooners. He was humorous but the way he lived wasn't really humorous. He was a bus driver. Who wants to be a bus driver? He didn't have any money and he was not famous. But despite that, the show is humorous.

- George Thorogood

Famous, Bus, Show, Humorous

All I have is my performance, I try to feed in the best of everything that I could possibly do into those 90 minutes and to make a live entertainment show out of it.

- George Thorogood

Entertainment, 90 Minutes, Possibly

Rounder Records decided to call the album Move It On Over, much to my chagrin but they knew what they were doing. It took off and to this day I can't figure out why.

- George Thorogood

Over, Move, Took, Chagrin

I didn't live in the world of disco or the world of the Eagles.

- George Thorogood

Live, World, Disco, Eagles

I know I'm not going to sing like Aretha Franklin or Elvis Presley or any of those people.

- George Thorogood

Like, Going, Aretha, Franklin

I'm talking like 10, 12 years old. Either junior brings Mom and Pop or Mom and Pop bring the kids. I'm talking young here, not a college drinking crowd.

- George Thorogood

College, Here, Drinking, Junior

I was not a big Allman Brothers fan but I could relate to that because that is what the flavor of the day was at that time - at least it was like that for me.

- George Thorogood

Big, Like, Brothers, Flavor

I guess a good song is a good song is a good song, ya know.

- George Thorogood

Music, Song, Good Song, Ya

I wanted to write songs that were as good as the covers.

- George Thorogood

Songs, Wanted, Were, Covers

There are now grandmothers and grandfathers coming to see us because they are of that age, they grew up in the '50s and '60s and they bring their sons and their daughters to hear the songs they heard when they were young.

- George Thorogood

Young, Bring, Grandmothers, Grandfathers

Whatever title you want to lay on me is fine. I am still working; you know what I'm saying?

- George Thorogood

Want, Still, Lay, Saying

I figured the people who liked the sort of thing I was doing would come see it. If it was only 200 then that was alright and if it was 2000 then that is alright as well. I wasn't really interested in the big numbers; I was just interested in some numbers.

- George Thorogood

Doing, Big, Some, Alright

I was a big J. Geils fan, a Steppenwolf fan and a Savoy Brown fan.

- George Thorogood

Big, Fan, Steppenwolf, Brown

Did I think it would last 30 years? No, I didn't think it would have those kind of legs.

- George Thorogood

Think, I Think, Would, Legs

There is no doubt in my mind who is number one - I have always been number one.

- George Thorogood

Mind, Number, Always, No Doubt

Not to this extent but from day one I had an awful lot of confidence when I got started.

- George Thorogood

Extent, Awful Lot, Day One

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