Billy Strayhorn was a musical genius who shaped jazz history with his brilliance. As Duke Ellington’s collaborator, he wrote timeless classics like Take the A Train and infused elegance into every note. But beyond his music, his words carried wisdom, humor, and deep insight. Here’s a collection of his best quotes—raw, inspiring, and full of soul.
Life and Creativity
Strayhorn saw life as an art form. His words remind us to embrace creativity in everything we do.
🎵 “Music is my mistress, and she plays second fiddle to no one.”
💡 “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
🔥 “Ever forward. Never straight.”
📖 “You have to find a way to say what you want to say in the shortest possible time.”
🎯 “The artist must say it without saying it.”
His philosophy? Life isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression.
On Love and Relationships
Strayhorn’s words on love were as smooth as his melodies.
❤️ “Love is supreme and unconditional; like is nice but limited.”
💡 “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.”
📌 “The best relationships are like jazz—improvised, but always in harmony.”
Ever noticed how love and music follow the same rhythm?
Work and Perseverance
Strayhorn knew success wasn’t handed out—it was earned.
🚀 “A goal is a dream with a deadline.”
🔥 “Genius is the ability to renew one’s emotions in daily experience.”
⚠️ “The hardest thing is to be simple.”
His advice? Keep pushing, stay original, and never dumb it down.
Humor and Wit
Even a musical legend didn’t take himself too seriously.
😂 “I’m a procrastinator. I’ll think about it tomorrow.”
🎵 “I don’t need time, I need a deadline.”
💡 “The only people who never fail are those who never try.”
A little laughter makes the journey lighter.
Legacy and Impact
Strayhorn’s words still resonate because they’re timeless.
🏆 “Art is dangerous. It’s one of the attractions: when it ceases to be dangerous, you don’t want it.”
📖 “The memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician.”
🎯 “You can’t write a chord ugly enough to say what you want sometimes, so you have to rely on a giraffe filled with whipped cream.”
Yes, he really said that. And it makes perfect sense.
Final Thoughts
Billy Strayhorn’s quotes are more than words—they’re life lessons wrapped in jazz. Whether you’re an artist, dreamer, or just someone looking for inspiration, his wisdom sticks.
Which quote hit you the hardest? Drop it in the comments and let’s keep the conversation swinging. 🎶