New Orleans in Your Blood
I am from New Orleans, the city of jazz. It is in my blood, in my breath, in every sound I make. It is my home, my destiny, my music.
Wynton Marsalis
Acclaimed American jazz musician and trumpet virtuoso, director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, explorer of African American culture.
All moments: Wynton Marsalis
- Listening as an Art — Wynton Marsalis
In jazz, the main skill is listening. You must hear what the other musician is saying and respond to them. It is dialogue, not monologue.
- Jazz as Democracy — Wynton Marsalis
Jazz is like democracy. Every voice matters, every musician can express themselves, yet they listen to each other. It is music of freedom and mutual respect.
- The Healing Power of Music — Wynton Marsalis
Jazz has the power to heal, to bring people together, to overcome divisions. It is the music of the human soul, music of hope and resilience.
- The Speed of Instinct — Wynton Marsalis
In jazz, everything happens in real time. You have a fraction of a second to feel, hear, understand, and respond. This is intuition at its highest level.
- Lessons from Father — Wynton Marsalis
My father taught me that music is serious business. It demands discipline, dedication, and love. He showed me the path, but I chose each step myself.
- Instrument as Voice — Wynton Marsalis
The trumpet is my voice. When I play, I speak what I cannot say in words. Every note, every sound is part of my story.
Related moments
- Documenting History — Questlove
As a documentarian, I feel a responsibility to preserve the history of Black music and culture
- Birth of a Legend — Paul McCartney
The Beatles were about growth. We changed every single day.
- The Art of Service — John Legend
As an artist, I see my role as serving humanity and raising my voice for justice
- Humble Beginnings — Paul McCartney
Nobody believed in us at first. We just believed in ourselves and the music.
- Always Be a Good Human — Louis Armstrong
I've always tried to be a good human being. That's what matters.
- A Song Is Blood — Paul McCartney
A melody comes to me like someone is singing it to me. It's magic.