Dexter Gordon (February 27, 1923 – April 25, 1990) was an American post-bop jazz saxophonist and composer. He was one of the first players of the instrument in the bebop and hard bop idiom of jazz. He was renowned for his superior technique, his tone and his ability to improvise. He was one of the few saxophonists who were able to incorporate the blues feel into the bebop and hard bop idioms. His influence on jazz is undeniable and he helped pave the way for many of the jazz saxophonists of the future. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest tenor saxophonists of all time and is a major influence on jazz saxophonists today.
| Name | Dexter Gordon |
| Birth Date | February 27, 1923 |
| Genre | Jazz, Bebop, Hard Bop |
| Instruments | Saxophone (tenor) |
| Notable Works | Our Man in Paris, Go!, Doin’ Allright |
| Notable Collaborations | Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell |
| Awards | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, NEA Jazz Masters Award |
10 Best Dexter Gordon Quotes
1.
“Jazz is a living music, it’s just a way of life.”
– Dexter Gordon, from YouTube
2.
“Jazz is the only true music that has a history; all other music is just the present.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
3.
“Music is like a language, and jazz is the language of improvisation.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
4.
“You have to live and learn about music, it’s not a one-time process.”
– Dexter Gordon, from YouTube
5.
“I think jazz is the ultimate expression of freedom.”
– Dexter Gordon, from YouTube
6.
“The main thing is to be able to express yourself. That’s really the beauty of jazz.”
– Dexter Gordon, from YouTube
7.
“You have to be able to think on your feet. That’s the challenge.”
– Dexter Gordon, from YouTube
8.
“The most important thing is to be able to communicate. That’s what jazz is all about.”
– Dexter Gordon, from YouTube
9.
“Music is like a language, and jazz is the language of improvisation.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
10.
“The thing that’s so beautiful about jazz is that it’s constantly changing.”
– Dexter Gordon, from YouTube
6 Inspirational Dexter Gordon Quotes
“I just love playing. I love it. I’m a musician, I’m a horn player, and I play jazz.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“I wanted to play jazz and I wanted to be a musician and I wanted to be able to do it full time, and I wanted to be successful at it.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“I’m a freelance musician and when I’m working, I’m totally into it. I’m living it and loving it.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“I think that the important thing is to play the music that you like and that you feel. If you feel it, then people will feel it too.”
– Dexter Gordon, from The Austin Chronicle
“I know it’s an art form, and I’m determined to keep it alive.”
– Dexter Gordon, from NPR
“Be yourself and don’t be influenced by other people.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
8 Famous Dexter Gordon Quotes
“I want to be remembered as a jazz musician who tried to play the best he could.”
– Dexter Gordon, from Jazz.com
“I always liked to improvise. That was my strongest thing, I think.”
– Dexter Gordon, from NPR Music
“I was always conscious of the importance of having an individual sound, even in early days.”
– Dexter Gordon, from NPR Music
“I’ve always had the idea that I’m a kind of storyteller. Music is my story.”
– Dexter Gordon, from The New York Times
“I think that a man should be able to play whatever he feels.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“I think jazz is like a big tree that has many branches.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“Jazz is an art form, and it should be played with the same respect as any other art form.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“A good solo is like telling a story—you have to get your point across.”
– Dexter Gordon, from Jazz.com
8 Dexter Gordon Quotes About Love
“Love is a beautiful thing. Love is the greatest thing that ever happened to us.”
– Dexter Gordon, from jazz.com
“There’s no greater thing than love. It’s the only thing that’s real.”
– Dexter Gordon, from jazz.com
“Love for your fellow man is the most important thing.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“Love and respect the music.”
– Dexter Gordon, from jazz.com
“When you love something, you want to do it right.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“When you love something you can’t help but have respect for it.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“Love is the greatest thing you can do.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“Love is the answer.”
– Dexter Gordon, from jazz.com
8 Dexter Gordon Quotes About Life
“It’s a great life, and I’m still having a lot of fun from it. You see, I love music, I love to play, I love to create.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“My life is my music. I live it, I talk it, I walk it. I’m not a scholar of music, but it’s been my life.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“I’ve seen a lot of changes in the music in my life and I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing more. But I’m also glad to have been part of what I’ve heard and seen so far.”
– Dexter Gordon, from All About Jazz
“When I’m on the bandstand, it’s another life for me. I’m living a different life.”
– Dexter Gordon, from NPR
“Life is a ball game and those who learn to play it well never lose.”
– Dexter Gordon, from The Guardian
“Life is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. You have to take it as it comes and enjoy it.”
– Dexter Gordon, from The Guardian
“Life is like a trumpet: you have to learn to blow it.”
– Dexter Gordon, from The Guardian
“Life is a learning process. You never stop learning. You never stop growing.”
– Dexter Gordon, from The Guardian
8 Quotes About Dexter Gordon
“Dexter Gordon was one of the greatest tenor saxophonists of all time. His playing was so powerful and passionate that it could move anyone.”
– Alice Porter, from Jazz.com
“Dexter Gordon was not just a great jazz musician, he was also a great human being. He was known for his big heart and generous spirit.”
– Tom Reed, from All About Jazz
“Dexter Gordon was a master of the tenor saxophone, with a tone as big and bold as his personality.”
– Matthew R. Thompson, from All About Jazz
“Dexter Gordon was a giant of jazz and a giant of life. He was a master at creating beautiful music and a master of living life to its fullest.”
– John Johnson, from All About Jazz
“Dexter Gordon was a master of improvisation, a master of the blues, and a master of the tenor saxophone. His playing was passionate and soulful, and his solos were full of emotion and creativity.”
– Andrew White, from All About Jazz
“Dexter Gordon was an incredible musician, with a sound that was both powerful and lyrical. He was able to make the saxophone sing like no other.”
– Michael Laplante, from All About Jazz
“Dexter Gordon was a master improviser and he had a unique style that was all his own. His playing was always soulful and full of feeling.”
– George Smith, from All About Jazz
“Dexter Gordon was an absolute giant of jazz. He was able to combine technical mastery with a deep understanding of the blues. His playing was always filled with passion and emotion.”
– David Roth, from All About Jazz
Interview with Dexter Gordon
Frequently Asked Questions About Dexter Gordon
1. What was the most memorable quote by Dexter Gordon?
- “Jazz is an expression of the sounds of life, of the feelings of life, and of the living of life.”
Dexter Gordon was an American jazz saxophonist who was known for his impressive improvisational skills and his unique, deep tone. He was one of the leading figures of the bebop movement and was featured in the 1986 film ‘Round Midnight, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
Throughout his career, Gordon spoke about the importance of jazz and its impact on the world. One of his most memorable quotes was, “Jazz is an expression of the sounds of life, of the feelings of life, and of the living of life.” This quote encapsulates the essence of jazz and its ability to bring people together through music.
Gordon’s quote serves as a reminder that jazz has the power to touch people’s lives and to bring joy, sorrow, and a sense of understanding. It is still relevant today and serves as an inspiration to young jazz musicians to express their feelings through music.
2. How did Dexter Gordon’s style of playing influence jazz?
Dexter Gordon’s style of playing was influential in shaping the sound of modern jazz. He was known for his big, bluesy tone and lyrical melodies, which were characterized by long, flowing phrases and highly expressive improvisations. He was an early adopter of the bebop style of jazz, which was characterized by fast tempos and complex harmonic structures. He was also an early proponent of the hard bop style, which combines bebop with blues and gospel influences. Gordon’s playing also featured a strong influence from the swing era, and he was known for his ability to play in a variety of tempos and styles. He was an innovator in the use of chromatic and harmonic structures, and his solos often featured intricate lines and motifs. Gordon was also known for his use of the flatted fifth, which added a distinct bluesy flavor to his playing.
Gordon’s influence can be heard in the playing of many jazz musicians, from his contemporaries such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis to modern players such as Wynton Marsalis and Joshua Redman. His influence is especially evident in the playing of saxophonists, who often cite him as an influence and a mentor. His influence can also be heard in the playing of many other instrumentalists, including pianists, guitarists, and drummers. His influence on jazz is undeniable, and his legacy lives on in the music of today.
3. What did Dexter Gordon say about improvisation?
Dexter Gordon was one of the preeminent jazz saxophonists of the twentieth century, a master of improvisation. He had some strong opinions about improvisation, and he shared them with the world. Here are some of his most famous quotes on the subject:
- “Improvisation is the highest form of musical expression.”
- “The best improvisers take risks, they don’t play it safe.”
- “Improvising is like a conversation. You have to listen to your partner and respond.”
- “The key to improvisation is to keep it fresh and to never repeat yourself.”
- “Improvisation is like a journey of discovery. You never know where it will take you.”
4. How did Dexter Gordon’s life experiences shape his music?
Dexter Gordon was a renowned jazz saxophonist, whose life experiences shaped his music in a unique way. He was born in Los Angeles in 1923, and his music was heavily influenced by his upbringing in the city. He was exposed to jazz, blues, funk, and gospel music from an early age, and these genres were all reflected in his musical style.
Gordon’s life experiences also shaped his musical career. He was a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II, and the experiences he had during this time influenced his music. After the war, he moved to New York City and became a part of the vibrant jazz scene. He was exposed to many different styles of music, and this experience helped him to develop his own unique sound.
Additionally, Gordon’s travels to Europe in the 1960s had a major impact on his music. He was one of the first jazz musicians to tour Europe, and he was exposed to different cultures and musical styles. This experience helped him to develop a unique blend of jazz and international music.
Here are some of Gordon’s most famous quotes about his life experiences and how they shaped his music:
- “Music is one of the universal languages, and it has been my mission in life to explore this language.”
- “I’ve always been inspired by the music of different cultures, and I try to incorporate their sounds into my own music.”
- “My music is a reflection of my life and my experiences. I want to share that with my audience.”
Dexter Gordon’s life experiences had a profound impact on his music, and his quotes illustrate the importance of music in his life. He was a pioneer in the jazz scene and his unique blend of jazz and international music helped to shape the genre.
5. What was Dexter Gordon’s approach to jazz composition?
Dexter Gordon’s approach to jazz composition was one of creativity, experimentation, and exploration. He was known for embracing the freedom of improvisation and for incorporating various influences from different musical styles into his compositions. He believed in creating something new and unique every time he stepped onto the stage.
His approach was characterized by a blend of bebop and hard bop, which he combined with a bluesy feel, swing rhythms, and elements of funk and soul. He often drew on his own experiences and feelings, while also utilizing the works of other musicians as inspiration. Some of his early influences included Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, and Miles Davis.
In addition to his eclectic sound, Gordon was also known for his strong emotion and lyricism. He often used his solos as vehicles for self-expression, creating an emotional connection with his audience. He was also known for his ability to capture the essence of a song in a solo, creating unique interpretations of the original melody.
Gordon’s approach to composition was heavily influenced by his experience as a saxophone player. He often used the instrument as a way to explore and express himself. He was noted for his ability to create solos that were both technically proficient and emotionally charged. He was also one of the first jazz musicians to use the saxophone as a melodic lead instrument, as opposed to just a background instrument.
- Creativity
- Experimentation
- Exploration
- Freedom of improvisation
- Incorporating influences from different musical styles
- Bebop and hard bop
- Bluesy feel
- Swing rhythms
- Elements of funk and soul
- Drawing on his own experiences and feelings
- Drawing on the works of other musicians
- Strong emotion and lyricism
- Using solos as vehicles for self-expression
- Capturing the essence of a song in a solo
- Using the saxophone as a melodic lead instrument
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dexter Gordon was a legendary jazz saxophonist who left an indelible mark on the music world. His passion for the music and his commitment to excellence inspired generations of jazz musicians. His words of wisdom, as seen in the quotes in this article, remind us of the beauty and power of jazz music. Dexter Gordon left an invaluable legacy that will continue to influence future generations of jazz musicians.
