I think the idea is now for blacks to write about the history of our music. It’s time for that, because whites have been doing it all the time. It’s time for us to do it ourselves and tell it like it is.
Meaning of the quote
This quote by American musician Dizzy Gillespie is encouraging Black people to write about the history of their own music. He believes that for too long, white people have been the ones telling the story of Black music. Now, Gillespie thinks it's time for Black people to take control of their own narrative and share their perspective on the history of their music.
About Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie was an American jazz trumpet virtuoso and bandleader who helped pioneer the bebop style of jazz. He was known for his showmanship, scat singing, and unique personal style, including his bent horn and pouched cheeks. Gillespie had a major influence on the development of modern jazz and taught and inspired many other renowned musicians.
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I’d like to play for you one of my compositions, my only composition.
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I think the idea is now for blacks to write about the history of our music. It’s time for that, because whites have been doing it all the time. It’s time for us to do it ourselves and tell it like it is.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)