Artie Shaw Quotes, born Arthur Jacob Arshawsky on May 23, 1910, in New York City, and passed away on December 30, 2004, was an American clarinetist, composer, bandleader, and author, widely regarded as one of jazz’s finest clarinetists.
Leading one of the most popular big bands of the late 1930s and early 1940s, Shaw’s signature hit, a 1938 recording of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine,” became a defining swing-era record. Known for his technical mastery and innovative approach, he blended jazz with classical elements and retired from music in 1954 to focus on writing.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his interviews, songs, and public statements—reflect his insights on music, individuality, success, and life, capturing his sharp wit, critical perspective, and passion for artistic integrity.
15 Artie Shaw Quotes
- “I did all you can do with a clarinet. Any more would have been less.”
- “Benny Goodman plays the clarinet. I play music.”
- “An entertainer pleases others while an artist only has to please himself.”
- “If you don’t see the wonder in the most ordinary phenomenon, you’re not going to resonate very much.”
- “Jazz was born out of the whiskey bottle, was raised on marijuana, and will expire on cocaine.”
- “Somebody asked me once, ‘Do you think that swing will ever come back?’ And I said, ‘Do you think the 1938 Ford will ever come back?’”
- “You have no idea of the women I didn’t marry.”
- “Dance music—as I keep saying, you can dance to a windshield wiper… a windshield wiper that’s fairly steady gives you a beat.”
- “An artist should write for himself & not for an audience. If the audience likes it, great. If not, they can keep away.”
- “It [‘Begin the Beguine’] became such a hit that it superseded anything that any band had ever had. It was the first time that a so-called swing band played something melodic and still gave it a beat.”
- “I don’t know a damn thing. I don’t know what it’s about. The longer I live, the more mysterious life is.”
- “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.”
- “I wanted to resign from the planet, not just music. It stopped being fun with success. Money got in the way.”
- “That’s the clarinet I used to use… but it’s just a piece of wood, you know, with holes in it and they put these clumsy keys on it and you’re supposed to try to make something happen that never happened before. And when you do, you never forget it. It beats sex, it beats anything.”
- “There’s such a cynicism about the phrase ‘I laughed all the way to the bank.’ It’s as though money is what you’re doing, rather than playing music. If you’re playing a money game, why not get into banking?”
Artie Shaw’s quotes are a bold mix of musical passion, sharp cynicism, and unapologetic individuality, inspiring fans to prioritize authenticity over fame. Which one hits your vibe? Drop it in the comments and keep his swing-era legacy jazzed up!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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