About Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordonwas an American jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. He was among the most influential early bebop musicians.

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More quotes from Dexter Gordon

When you know the lyrics to a tune, you have some kind of insight as to it’s composition. If you don’t understand what it’s about, you’re depriving yourself of being really able to communicate this poem.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

Music is a reservoir… of sounds.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

In nuclear war all men are cremated equal.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

In jazz, there is a lot of European influence harmonically.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

What I’m doing, I prefer to call that jazz, because it is a beautiful word – I love it.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

If you can’t play the blues… you might as well hang it up.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

It’s certainly not just a spot opinion; it’s something that obviously has been building up for years. It is also very good for publicity, and it is the kind of recognition that maybe will help financially, also.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

Darlin… be-bop is the music of the future.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

Jazz to me is a living music. It’s a music that since its beginning has expressed the feelings, the dreams, hopes, of the people.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

The music scene is more competitive in the States.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

To have a little recognition, that is very nice, you dig. It is good for the ego, for the psyche.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

A lot of times I go back to record and to make a tour, but I’m very happy to do it, because it gives me an opportunity to dig and hear what’s going on.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)

If I were to call it black music, that would be untrue. I don’t know what that is, unless it would be some African drums or something.

Dexter Gordon

American jazz saxophonist (1923-1990)