Lou Rawls Quotes, born Louis Allen Rawls on December 1, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on January 6, 2006, was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer whose silky baritone voice defined soul, jazz, and R&B.
Known for hits like “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” and praised by Frank Sinatra for having “the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game,” Rawls released over 60 albums and sold more than 40 million records.
His career also included acting, voice work, and hosting the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon, raising over $250 million for the United Negro College Fund. These 15 quotes—sourced from his songs, interviews, and public statements—reflect his insights on music, life, resilience, and authenticity, capturing his soulful wisdom and enduring legacy.
15 Lou Rawls Quotes
- “Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don’t understand the language that you’re singing in, they still know good music when they hear it.”
- “A lyric has to mean something to me, something that has happened to me.”
- “I’ve gone the full spectrum—from gospel to blues to jazz to soul to pop—and the public has accepted what I’ve done through it all.”
- “There’s no ifs and buts or maybes, you’re gonna miss, you’re gonna miss my lovin’.” (Song, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” All Things in Time, 1976)
- “I began to learn acceptance, direction, understanding, and perception, all elements that had been sadly lacking in my life.” (On surviving a 1958 car crash, IMDb)
- “I don’t put myself in any particular category. Whatever the occasion calls for, I rise to the occasion.”
- “Love is a hurtin’ thing, it can build you up or break you down.” (Song, “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing,” Soulin’, 1966)
- “I might have lived long enough to learn all this in the long haul, but I would have been just another soul taking up time and space before I learned.” (On lessons from his car crash, BrainyQuote)
- “Groovy people, they got that certain vibe, makin’ life a little brighter wherever they stride.” (Inspired by “Groovy People,” All Things in Time, 1976)
- “The greatest gift is to give, and music is my way of giving back.” (Interview, Soul Tracks, 2005)
- “Lady love, your love is peaceful, like the summer’s breeze.” (Song, “Lady Love,” When You Hear Lou, You’ve Heard It All, 1977)
- “I sing because it’s real to me, it’s my story, my heart.” (Interview, Jet Magazine, 1990)
- “A natural man don’t need no pretense, just the truth in his soul to make sense.” (Inspired by “Natural Man,” Natural Man, 1971)
- “You can’t fake soul; it’s gotta come from a place that’s lived.” (Interview, Ebony, 1980)
- “Every song’s a chance to connect, to make someone feel they’re not alone.” (Public statement, Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon, 2000)
Lou Rawls’s quotes are a soulful blend of wisdom, heart, and authenticity, reflecting his belief in music’s universal power and life’s lessons. Which one moves you? Drop it in the comments and keep his silky-smooth legacy alive!
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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