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Kurt Elling

99quotes

Kurt Elling: A Vocal Virtuoso with a Passion for Storytelling


Full Name and Common Aliases


Kurt Elling is an American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and musician known for his unique and expressive voice.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on February 2, 1967, in Detroit, Michigan, Kurt Elling is still active in the music industry today.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Elling's nationality is American, and he is a professional jazz vocalist, songwriter, and musician.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in a musical family, Kurt Elling was exposed to a wide range of genres and styles from an early age. His father, a composer and arranger for several jazz orchestras, introduced him to the world of jazz when he was just five years old. This exposure sparked a lifelong passion for music in Elling, who began singing in his church choir as a child.

As he grew older, Elling's interests turned towards classical music and opera. He attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he studied vocal performance and composition. After completing his education, Elling moved to New York City to pursue a career in jazz.

Major Accomplishments


Throughout his illustrious career, Kurt Elling has achieved numerous accolades and milestones. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:

Winning the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for his album "The Message"
 Being named Male Vocalist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association a record-breaking nine times
Collaborating with top artists such as Danilo Perez, Christian Scott, and Charlie Haden

Notable Works or Actions


Kurt Elling has released numerous critically acclaimed albums throughout his career. Some of his most notable works include:

"The Message" (2001) - a concept album exploring the intersection of jazz and poetry
"Man in Love" (2014) - an album featuring Elling's interpretations of classic love songs
 "Luminosity" (2017) - an album showcasing Elling's unique blend of jazz, classical, and pop influences

In addition to his music, Elling is also a sought-after educator and writer. He has written articles for publications such as Jazz Times and has taught masterclasses at institutions around the world.

Impact and Legacy


Kurt Elling's impact on the jazz world cannot be overstated. His innovative approach to vocal performance has inspired a new generation of musicians, while his commitment to storytelling through music has helped to redefine the art form. Through his music and teachings, Elling continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in jazz.

Why He Is Widely Quoted or Remembered


Kurt Elling's quotes and insights into the world of jazz are highly sought after by fans and professionals alike. His ability to distill complex musical concepts into simple yet profound language has made him a trusted voice on matters of artistry, creativity, and innovation.

As a vocal virtuoso with a passion for storytelling, Kurt Elling continues to captivate audiences around the world with his unique blend of jazz, classical, and pop influences. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music have cemented his status as one of the most respected and beloved artists in the jazz community today.

Quotes by Kurt Elling

At a certain point, the graduate school thing didn't work out, and that meant I was liberated.
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At a certain point, the graduate school thing didn't work out, and that meant I was liberated.
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My strength is to communicate with an audience and to know what jazz singing is capable of.
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My strength is to communicate with an audience and to know what jazz singing is capable of.
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Music is a physical expression that has a physical impact upon the listener. Sound travels in waves through the air. This is not abstract. This is scientific fact. And it makes physical contact with the eardrum... and with the heart... and with the rest of the body.
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Music is a physical expression that has a physical impact upon the listener. Sound travels in waves through the air. This is not abstract. This is scientific fact. And it makes physical contact with the eardrum... and with the heart... and with the rest of the body.
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It helps me to learn things in different languages, even if it's just phonetically, and to make myself vulnerable to other audiences by trying to reflect back to them the genius of their own cultures, and to do that, oftentimes, in new jazz settings, new arrangements. It's a way to show respect.
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It helps me to learn things in different languages, even if it's just phonetically, and to make myself vulnerable to other audiences by trying to reflect back to them the genius of their own cultures, and to do that, oftentimes, in new jazz settings, new arrangements. It's a way to show respect.
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There are incredible musicians around the world.
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There are incredible musicians around the world.
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I travel all the time. And as I go around the world, I try to learn a little something and not just take up all the available air.
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I travel all the time. And as I go around the world, I try to learn a little something and not just take up all the available air.
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The idea is to be unrestrained by categories.
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The idea is to be unrestrained by categories.
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'Man in the Air' was an experience in exercise.
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'Man in the Air' was an experience in exercise.
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There's a wide spectrum of possibilities in how to deliver a song.
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There's a wide spectrum of possibilities in how to deliver a song.
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There is an actor's responsibility in presenting the emotional content of the lyrics to an audience. But whether you do that in a straightforward fashion or an ironic fashion or a blase fashion is all about opportunities, and singers are missing opportunities as artists if they don't pay attention to the lyric.
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There is an actor's responsibility in presenting the emotional content of the lyrics to an audience. But whether you do that in a straightforward fashion or an ironic fashion or a blase fashion is all about opportunities, and singers are missing opportunities as artists if they don't pay attention to the lyric.
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