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I started composing when I was around 13, and back then, people used to say that I needed to be a composer or a performer, but I can't be good at both of them. I could never understand why anyone would say that. Jellyroll did both, Bessie Smith did both, and so did I.
Wadada Leo Smith
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"I started composing when I was around 13, and back then, people used to say that I needed to be a composer or a performer, but I can't be good at both of them. I could never understand why anyone would say that. Jellyroll did both, Bessie Smith did both, and so did I."
— Wadada Leo Smith

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I started composing when I was around 13, and back then, people used to say that I needed to b…

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I started composing when I was around 13, and back then, people used to say that I needed to be a composer or a performer, but I can't be good at both of them. I could never understand why anyone would say that. Jellyroll did both, Bessie Smith did both, and so did I. — Wadada Leo Smith

About Wadada Leo Smith

Wadada Leo Smith was a Musician from United States (1941–present).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who said "I started composing when I was around 13, and back then, people used to say tha…"?
This quote is attributed to Wadada Leo Smith, a Musician from United States.
When did Wadada Leo Smith live?
Wadada Leo Smith lived from 1941 – present.