Quotes by Dexter Gordon

About Dexter Gordon:

Dexter Gordon was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He was among the earliest tenor players to adapt the bebop musical language of people such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bud Powell to the instrument. Gordon's height was 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), so he was also known as "Long Tall Dexter" and "Sophisticated Giant". His studio and live performance career spanned over 40 years.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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

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

Dexter Gordon

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

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

Dexter Gordon

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

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

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

Dexter Gordon

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

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

Dexter Gordon

Music is a reservoir... of sounds.

Dexter Gordon

The music scene is more competitive in the States.

Dexter Gordon

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

In nuclear war all men are cremated equal.

Dexter Gordon

Author Bio

  • NameDexter Gordon
  • DescriptionAmerican jazz tenor saxophonist
  • BornFebruary 27, 1923
  • DiedApril 25, 1990
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionComposer; Saxophonist; Jazz Musician