Miles Davis

Jazz innovator

Modern influential 119 sayings

Sayings by Miles Davis

I just play what I hear in my head.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

You can't play anything on a horn that you can't sing.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't believe in waiting for things to happen. You have to make them happen.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm always trying to find something new, something different.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

If you want to hear me play, you better catch me now, because I'm always changing.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't play for the critics. I play for myself and for the people who listen.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The only reason I stopped playing the blues is because I got tired of it.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't believe in wasting time. Life is too short.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm always looking for the next thing. That's what keeps me going.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The music speaks for itself.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I just want to be remembered as a good musician.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't play what people want to hear. I play what I want to play.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

You have to be able to play what you don't know.

Undated — Interview, emphasizing improvisation and exploration
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't care about being understood. I just care about playing the music.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I've been through a lot of changes in my life, and my music reflects that.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm always learning. That's the most important thing.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to get better is to keep practicing.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I hate to repeat myself. I'm always looking for new ways to express myself.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not trying to be a role model. I'm just trying to be myself.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe in evolution. I believe in changing.

Undated — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable