Authenticity Over Labels
I'm not a genius. I'm just someone who works hard and gives completely to what they love. And that's all it takes.
Esperanza Spalding
Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and bassist known for innovative approach to contemporary music and visual art.
All moments: Esperanza Spalding
- Price of Recognition — Esperanza Spalding
Awards are nice, but they can't be the reason you make music. Music must be enough in itself.
- Entering Creative Space — Esperanza Spalding
When you enter creative space, you must leave your fears and doubts at the door. There's no room for them.
- Music and Movement — Esperanza Spalding
Music and dance are different languages, but they speak about the same thing: human truth and feeling.
- From Talent to Mastery — Esperanza Spalding
Talent is the beginning. Mastery comes through years of hard work, doubt, failure, and persistence.
- The Bassist's Voice — Esperanza Spalding
Bass is not a secondary voice. It's the foundation upon which everything else is built. It's the pulse, it's the life.
- Being Fully Yourself — Esperanza Spalding
Being yourself is an act of radical courage. Society constantly tries to reshape you. Resist it.
Related moments
- Documenting History — Questlove
As a documentarian, I feel a responsibility to preserve the history of Black music and culture
- 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.
- A City That Inspires — Bob Dylan
New York is the pulse. Here I found myself and my music.