I’m always imagining some sort of story behind the song, even the ones I haven’t written. I’m actively engaging in playacting.

About Cassandra Wilson

Cassandra Wilsonis an American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. She is one of the most successful female jazz singers and has been described by critic Gary Giddins as “a singer blessed with an unmistakable timbre and attack [who has] expanded the playing field” by incorporating blues, country, and folk music into her work.

More about the author

More quotes from Cassandra Wilson

Being black, I’m involved in the reparations movement. It’s focused toward the African-American audience. We could begin to heal.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

Everything I do is collaborative. It’s just my way. I’m really very interested in how the other musicians perceive the song.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

I’m always looking for ways to develop as an artist, especially as a jazz artist-to find different ways of testing my voice.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

I was never interested in singing in the church choir or in school. I was more interested in becoming a musician.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

I’ve often cringed when I heard myself described as a jazz singer. I’ve always thought of myself as a jazz vocalist.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

Miles Davis was a master. In every phase of his career, he understood that this music was a tribute to the African muse.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

My grandmother sang, too, and she was really loud. It was this wild kind of singing. I count her among my influences.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

I’m always imagining some sort of story behind the song, even the ones I haven’t written. I’m actively engaging in playacting.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

There was a train that would come by our house every night, and I’d hear the whistle blow. That is the sweetest memory I have.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

Miles Davis was doing something inherently African, something that has to do with all forms of American music, not just jazz.

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi

My father had all kinds of instruments in the house that he would hide from my mother. He bought them through mail order!

Cassandra Wilson

American jazz singer, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi