James Weldon Johnson Quotes about Music

Nothing great or enduring, especially in music, has ever sprung full-fledged and unprecedented from the brain of any master; the best he gives to the world he gathers from the hearts of the people, and runs it through

Nothing great or enduring, especially in music, has ever sprung full-fledged and unprecedented from the brain of any master; the best he gives to the world he gathers from the hearts of the people, and runs it through the alembic of his genius.

James Weldon Johnson

Music, Running, Heart

James Weldon Johnson, Sondra K. Wilson (1995). “The Selected Writings of James Weldon Johnson: Social, political, and literary essays”, p.315, Oxford University Press on Demand

It is from the blues that all that may be called American music derives it most distinctive characteristics.

James Weldon Johnson

Music, May, Characteristics

James Weldon Johnson “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man”, W. W. Norton & Company

O Black and unknown bards of long ago, How came your lips to touch the sacred fire?

James Weldon Johnson

Music, Fire, Long Ago

"O Black and Unknown Bards" l. 1 (1917)

At a very early age I began to thump on the piano alone, and it was not long before I was able to pick out a few tunes? I also learned the names of the notes in both clefs, but I preferred not be hampered by notes.

James Weldon Johnson

Music, Names, Piano

James Weldon Johnson, Sondra K. Wilson (1995). “The Selected Writings of James Weldon Johnson: Social, political, and literary essays”, p.276, Oxford University Press on Demand

James Weldon Johnson Quotes about Music

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