Quotes by

Ornette Coleman

Ive never had a relationship with a record executive. I always went to the record company by someone that liked my playing. Then they would get fired, and Id be left with the record company. And then – because they got fired – the record company wouldnt do anything for me. – Ornette Coleman

Most of my relationships have been like that – with record companies. Ive never had a legitimate business relationship with a company. Ive always had a personal relationship with someone in the company. – Ornette Coleman

I remember once, we got an interview, and he said, Dad, these people are writing about me like Im an adult. Dont they know Im a kid? I have never tried to encourage him to get a music image like other musicians have. – Ornette Coleman

I remember once I read a book on mental illness and there was a nurse that had gotten sick. Do you know what she died from? From worrying about the mental patients not being able to get their food. She became a mental patient. – Ornette Coleman

It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something. – Ornette Coleman