Kristen Johnston
American actress
Jean-Baptiste Frederic Isidor, Baron Thielemans (29 April 1922 – 22 August 2016), known professionally as Toots Thielemans ([tuts til@mans]), was a Belgian jazz musician. He was mostly known for playing the chromatic harmonica, as well as his guitar and whistling skills, and composing.
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About the Toots Thielemans
Jean-Baptiste Frederic Isidor, Baron Thielemansand Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977). His harmonica theme song for the popular Sesame Street TV show was heard for 40 years. He often performed and recorded with Quincy Jones, who once called him “one of the greatest musicians of our time.” In 2009 he was designated a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor for a jazz musician in the United States.
7 Quotes by Toots Thielemans
- 1.
My parents had a pub and each Sunday there was an accordionist. They have told me that when I was in my cradle, I already was imitating the gestures of the musician.
Toots ThielemansBelgian jazz musician
- 2.
My father bought me a little cardboard accordion, and when I was three I got this little machine.
Toots ThielemansBelgian jazz musician
- 3.
The harmonica is a great instrument.
Toots ThielemansBelgian jazz musician
- 4.
You can be in Tokyo or Alberta at four in the morning in your hotel and you can still practice if you feel like it. A trombone cannot do that at four in the morning.
Toots ThielemansBelgian jazz musician
- 5.
Well, being a jazz musician is not a rose garden!
Toots ThielemansBelgian jazz musician
- 6.
And if I have a strong point, it’s that I like to believe it’s not cheap or schmaltzy sentimentality.
Toots ThielemansBelgian jazz musician
- 7.
Today jazz is still very much alive. Everywhere I go there’s a new generation of musicians.
Toots ThielemansBelgian jazz musician