MJF's Interview with
NELLIE MCKAY
Artists Who Influenced
Anita O'Day
“All I know is that there are four beats to a bar and there are a million ways to phrase a tune.” –Anita O’Day
Bob Dylan
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." - Bob Dylan
Otis Redding
"If you want to be a singer, you've got to concentrate on it 24 hours a day. You've got to concentrate on the business of entertaining and writing songs. Always think different from the next person. Don't ever do a song as you heard somebody else do it. Concentrate and practice every single day. It took me four years to get into show business in a big way. Also, I think it's very important to write your own songs." - Otis Redding
Phil Woods
"I was put on the planet to be a musician, primarily as an alto player." - Phil Woods
Sam Cooke
“It was something I enjoyed doing and decided to give it a couple years, though I'm not making a lot of money now either!” - Sam Cooke
The Beatles
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." - John Lennon
Duke Ellington
"You've got to find some way of saying it without saying it." - Duke Ellington
Ella Fitzgerald
"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." - Ella Fitzgerald
Thelonious Monk
"What you don't play can be more important than what you do." - Thelonious Monk
Recommended Recordings
The Digital Music Education Project is a part of MJF's year-round series of world renowned Jazz Education Programs. We invite you to support our educational endeavors with your contribution.
For other giving options (credit card by phone, stock donation, planned giving), please contact the Monterey Jazz Festival at 831.373.3366 or e-mail jazzinfo@montereyjazzfestival.org.
