I do read music, but I prefer playing from the heart.

Meaning of the quote

Clarence Clemons, an American musician, is saying that while he can read and understand music, he enjoys playing from his emotions and feelings rather than just following the written notes. He believes that playing from the heart, or with passion and expression, is more important than strictly following the sheet music.

About Clarence Clemons

Clarence Clemons, also known as The Big Man, was a legendary American saxophonist who was part of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band for nearly 40 years. He also had a successful solo career, released hit songs, and appeared in various films and TV shows. Clemons was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 2014.

More about the author

More quotes from Clarence Clemons

There’ll be no oiling up with this band. The oil has been there for years and it only gets better.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

Now that I am much older, I have had a number of sax players tell me I was responsible for them playing sax. Some of them I have admired over the years.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

In the mental calmness of a spiritual life, I have found that the answers to the whys in our lives are able to come to you. In my music I find the same thing.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

Being involved in the well-being and advancement of one’s own community is a most natural thing to do.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

I do read music, but I prefer playing from the heart.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

I wanted an electric train for Christmas but I got the saxophone instead.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

It’s a matter of choosing what is most important to you and putting that first. Once you have recognized your true purpose in life, this becomes much easier.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

As a horn player, the greatest compliment one can get is when a person comes to you and says, ‘I heard this saxophone on the radio the other day and I knew it was you. I don’t know the song, but I know it was you on sax.’

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

I take my job as a rock and roll sax player very seriously. To do it the way that I must do it, I must be in good condition. The better shape you’re in, the harder you can rock.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

The word spiritual, not the word religious, is the key.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

I like health-conscious cooking, but growing up in the South, I do love southern cooking; southern France, southern Italy, southern Spain. I love southern cooking.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

The calm mind allows one to connect with the inner self, the Soul, the very source of our being. That’s where the music lives. That’s where my music comes from.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)

I look forward to working out every day.

Clarence Clemons

American saxophonist (1942-2011)