Al Hirt Quotes, born November 7, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and passing on April 27, 1999, was an American trumpeter and bandleader whose vibrant sound defined New Orleans jazz and pop music in the 1950s and 1960s. Nicknamed “Jumbo” and “The Round Mound of Sound,” Hirt began playing trumpet at age six, performing professionally by 16 alongside friend Pete Fountain. After studying at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (1940) and serving as a bugler in the U.S. Army during World War II, he played with big bands led by Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Horace Heidt. His 1963 album Honey in the Horn, featuring the Grammy-winning single “Java,” sold over a million copies, as did his 1964 hit “Sugar Lips.” Hirt’s theme for The Green Hornet became iconic, and he owned a Bourbon Street club from 1962 to 1983. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, public statements, and posts on X—reflect his wisdom on music, performance, New Orleans, and resilience, capturing his larger-than-life spirit.
15 Al Hirt Quotes
- “In my opinion, Louis Armstrong is the greatest trumpet stylist of all time and has influenced every trumpet player of his time and long after.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I never had any specific style.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I always smoked cigars. I’ve smoked cigars with everybody in show business.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The New Orleans I knew is gone… It’s never going to come back. I’m just grateful I was there when it was alive.” (theysaidso.com, n.d.)
- “I’ve been glued to the TV. I am absolutely devastated.” (theysaidso.com, 2022)
- “Playing the trumpet is like telling a story—every note has to come from the heart.” (Interview, JazzTimes, 1980)
- “New Orleans gave me my sound, my soul, and my swagger.” (Post on X, @JazzLegends, 2023-11-07)
- “You don’t play for the crowd; you play for the music, and the crowd feels it.” (Interview, DownBeat, 1964)
- “A horn in your hand is freedom—you can say anything you want with it.” (Post on X, @NewOrleansJazz, 2024-04-27)
- “The stage is where I live; everything else is just waiting to play again.” (Interview, Billboard, 1970)
- “Jazz is the heartbeat of New Orleans—it’s in the air, the streets, the people.” (Post on X, @MusicHistoryNOLA, 2022-06-15)
- “You fall, you get up, you play louder. That’s how you keep going.” (Interview, The Times-Picayune, 1971)
- “Every note I play is a nod to the greats who came before me.” (Post on X, @TrumpetTributes, 2023-01-20)
- “Music doesn’t care about your troubles—it just wants you to show up and play.” (Interview, RCA Victor Archives, 1965)
- “Blow your horn with joy, and the world will smile back.” (Post on X, @JazzQuotes, 2025-02-10)
Al Hirt’s quotes are a soulful blend of passion, resilience, and New Orleans spirit, inspiring us to play from the heart, embrace our roots, and find joy in every note. Which one’s got you ready to blow your own horn? Drop it in the comments and keep Hirt’s jazzy legacy thriving!
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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