Miles Davis

Jazz innovator

Modern influential 119 sayings

Sayings by Miles Davis

Don't play what's there, play what's not there.

Unknown — Widely attributed advice to musicians
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you're not making mistakes, you're not trying hard enough.

Unknown — Reported statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm always thinking about new ways to play.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Do not fear mistakes. There are none.

Unknown — Widely attributed
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I'm not trying to play a lot of notes. I'm trying to play the right notes.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A legend is an old man with a cane, not a young man in a suit.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'll play it first and tell you what it is later.

Unknown — Widely attributed
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only thing that matters is the music.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't care what people think. I just play my music.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It's not about being clever. It's about being honest.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't listen to what other people are doing. I just do my own thing.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Music is my life, my passion, my everything.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm always searching for something new.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't believe in labels. I just believe in music.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You have to be a little crazy to be a musician.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I play what I feel.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It's all about the feeling, man.

Unknown — Reported statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't think about the past. I think about the future.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You have to be in the moment.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm always trying to push the boundaries.

1980s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable