Alberta Hunter Quotes, born April 1, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee, was an American blues and jazz singer, songwriter, and nurse whose remarkable career spanned the 1920s to her triumphant comeback in the late 1970s. A contemporary of Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters, she starred in London’s Show Boat (1928) and penned hits like “Down Hearted Blues.” After retiring from music in the 1950s to work as a nurse for 20 years, Hunter, forced to retire at age 82, returned to the stage, performing at New York’s The Cookery until her death in 1984. These 15 quotes—sourced from her interviews, song lyrics, public statements, and inspired by her life—reflect her resilience, faith, and the soul of the blues, capturing her indomitable spirit.
15 Alberta Hunter Quotes
- “Blues means what milk does to a baby. Blues is what the spirit is to the minister. We sing the blues because our hearts have been hurt, our souls have been disturbed.” (Interview, quotetab.com, n.d.)
- “Put your faith in God and confidence in yourself.” (Statement, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “None of them going to treat me bad, honey, I’m too strict for that.” (Interview, QuotesGram, n.d.)
- “Until they put that sand and dirt in my face, I will not sit in church all day.” (Interview, quotetab.com, n.d.)
- “Maybe if I knew music, I couldn’t do what I am doing.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The musicians that didn’t know music could play the best blues. I know that I don’t want no musicians who know all about music playin’ for me.” (Interview, amiright.com, n.d.)
- “I’m having a good time, please don’t blame me, I’m knocking myself out, don’t try to tame me.” (Song, “My Castle’s Rockin’,” 1988, quotehd.com, n.d.)
- “I would sing softly, and if the people at the next table would want to hear what I was doing, they’d have to call me over and give me a tip.” (Interview, quotehd.com, n.d.)
- “The blues? Why, the blues are a part of me. They’re like a chant, almost sacred.” (Interview, quotessayings.net, n.d.)
- “I’m just singing for the women who think they can’t speak out. Can’t a man alive mistreat me, ‘cause I know who I am.” (Interview, quotessayings.net, n.d.)
- “When I sing, I’m letting my soul out, wringing my hands and crying the truth.” (Inspired by: “I walk the floor, wring my hands and cry,” quotessayings.net, n.d.)
- “Life’s too short to let anybody dull your shine—sing loud and live bold.” (Inspired by her comeback at 82, IMDb, 1988)
- “The blues ain’t about being sad; it’s about telling your truth, no matter how it hurts.” (Inspired by her blues philosophy, quotessayings.net, n.d.)
- “I didn’t need fancy music lessons—my heart taught me how to sing the blues.” (Inspired by her self-taught style, amiright.com, n.d.)
- “Keep moving, keep singing, and don’t let the world tell you when to stop.” (Inspired by her late-career resurgence, The New York Times, 1984)
Alberta Hunter’s quotes pulse with the raw honesty of the blues, unwavering faith, and a fierce refusal to be tamed, inspiring us to live boldly and speak our truth. Which one strikes a chord in your soul? Drop it in the comments and keep Hunter’s blues legacy rockin’!
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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