Talk:Miles Davis

Eric Dolphy quote

I don't have an authoritative reference, but the context for the "foot" quote is said[1] to have been a blindfold test, with Miles commenting on the song "On Green Dolphin Street" from the Eric Dolpy Quintet album Outward Bound (1960).

Choking a white man quote

Can anyone find a reference for this other than one from a white supremacy website?

Unsourced

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• I've changed music four or five times. What have you done of any importance other than be white?
  • Davis attended a reception in honor of Ray Charles at Ronald Reagan's White House in 1987. This was his reply to a Washington society lady seated next to him who had asked him what he had done to be invited.
• If somebody told me I only had an hour to live, I'd spend it choking a white man. I'd do it nice and slow.
  • During an interview, after growing aggravated about questions on the subject of race.
• A legend is an old man with a cane known for what he used to do. I'm still doing it.
  • On being called a legend.
• Jazz is like blues with a shot of heroin
• Who's that motherfucker? He can't play shit!
  • on Cecil Taylor
• You a motherfucker.
  • a compliment to Chick Corea, who thought he was about to be fired.
• He plays like somebody is standing on his foot.
  • on Eric Dolphy
• He could very well be the Duke Ellington of Rock 'n' Roll.
  • on Prince
• Why'd you put that white bitch on there?
  • To George Avakian after seeing the cover chosen by Columbia for Miles Ahead.
• "You can't play anything on a horn that Louis hasn't played." and "I love Pops" (Louis' nickname)
  • on Louis Armstrong in a Playboy magazine interview.
• I’ll play it and tell you what it is later.
  • During a recording session for Prestige, on the album "Relaxin' with the Miles Davis Quintet" (1956).
• Listen baby, when I say later, I mean it! Later!
  • After being approached by a relentless interviewer.
• There are no wrong notes.
• My ego only needs a good rhythm section.
  • On being asked what he looked for in musicians.
• When you are creating your own shit, man, even the sky ain't the limit.
• Try taking the fucking horn out of your mouth.
  • Davis was questioning the increasing length of John Coltrane solos, and Trane answered "I don't know how to stop."
• Don't play what's there, play what's not there.