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Mary Lou Williams Quotes

Powerful Mary Lou Williams for Daily Growth

About Mary Lou Williams

Mary Lou Williams (December 8, 1910 – May 28, 1981) was an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and educator who significantly impacted the evolution of jazz music. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, she began her musical journey at a young age, playing piano by ear and learning theory from church choir directors. Her family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when she was six, where she continued honing her craft. By her teenage years, Williams had gained recognition as an accomplished musician, performing with local bands before moving to New York City in 1928 at the age of 17. There, she quickly became a sought-after pianist and arranger, working with various jazz greats such as Andy Kirk, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. In the 1940s, Williams' style evolved into a more complex, harmonically rich approach that integrated elements of bebop and classical music. She also became increasingly involved in religious activities, which influenced her compositions, such as "The Book of Martha" (1958), a groundbreaking five-movement suite inspired by the life of Mary Magdalene. Throughout her career, Williams was a trailblazer for women in jazz and an advocate for racial equality. She organized numerous jam sessions to help emerging musicians, including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie. In the 1960s, she returned to education, teaching at various institutions, including Juilliard School. Despite battling breast cancer for much of her later life, Williams continued performing until her death in 1981. Her legacy lives on through her prolific body of work, which includes over 400 compositions and countless recordings that have shaped the course of jazz music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The Creator gave me music so that I could feel Him perfectly."

This quote suggests that for Mary Lou Williams, her gift of music served as a spiritual connection to the divine. She felt that her creative process allowed her to experience and express God's presence in a profound way. In essence, she saw music not just as an art form or occupation, but as a means to deepen her understanding and relationship with the Creator.

"Jazz is a spiritual expression, an exorcism of the devil, a casting out of all care and sinus troubles."

Mary Lou Williams' quote suggests that Jazz music serves as a means of spiritual release, healing, and self-expression. It implies that through Jazz, one can expel negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, or guilt (symbolized by the devil) and achieve inner peace and freedom from worldly concerns. In essence, Jazz is seen as a transformative and cathartic art form.

"God gives talent. Work transforms talent into genius."

This quote emphasizes that natural ability, or talent, is a gift from God. However, it is through hard work, dedication, and perseverance that this talent can be honed and developed into a level of exceptional skill, or genius. Essentially, Mary Lou Williams underscores the importance of effort and practice in realizing one's potential.

"I can't help but hear music everywhere. I wake up hearing it. It's in my dreams."

This quote suggests that Mary Lou Williams, a renowned jazz pianist, experienced a deep, profound connection with music - so much so that it was not confined to her waking moments, but also permeated her dreams. Essentially, she lived immersed in the world of music, constantly hearing it and finding inspiration from it. This quotation highlights the transformative power of music in a creator's life, as it becomes an integral part of their existence, shaping not only their conscious thoughts but also their subconscious dreams.

"Every note I compose, every chord I improvise is a prayer to God."

This quote by Mary Lou Williams signifies that her music, particularly composing notes and improvisation, is an act of spiritual devotion for her. It implies that she viewed her musical art as a means of communicating with the divine, using each note and chord as a form of prayer or expression of faith. This perspective underscores the profound emotional and philosophical depth that music can hold for its creators, elevating it beyond mere entertainment or technical proficiency.

He explained how ridiculous the clowning was, and there and then I decided to settle down and play seriously.

- Mary Lou Williams

Play, Settle, Then, Explained

One way and another I was having a ball - playing gigs, jamming and listening to fine musicians. Then came a crisis at home. My stepfather fell sick, and it meant I had to support the family.

- Mary Lou Williams

Musicians, Another, Had, Stepfather

When Seymour saw me seated at the piano at that first rehearsal, he shouted: 'What's that kid doing here? Call your piano player and let's get started.'

- Mary Lou Williams

Doing, Here, Rehearsal, Piano Player

Offers for me to play dances, society parties, even churches, were now coming in regularly. For most dates I was paid the sum of one dollar per hour, and they always tipped me at the end of the night.

- Mary Lou Williams

Play, Sum, Dances, Dates

Quite a few musicians came to our house. And my ma took me to hear many more, hoping to encourage in me a love of music. But she wouldn't consent to my having music lessons, for she feared I might end up as she had done - unable to play except from paper.

- Mary Lou Williams

Love, Play, Feared, Lessons

I have been tied up with music for about as long as I can remember. By the time I was four I was picking out little tunes my mother played on the reed organ in the living-room.

- Mary Lou Williams

Been, Organ, By The Time, Picking

Within a few hours I had them off, was about ready to play the shows. That night I opened, and during the week Harris was over to the house to talk my mother into letting me leave home.

- Mary Lou Williams

Play, Week, About, Harris

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