In 1960, Dixieland soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy joined the jazz legend’s band for a tour with John Coltrane. Young, wide-eyed and starstruck, he absorbed all he could, eventually writing down Monk’s words of wisdom. Applicable in jazz, so too applicable in life:
Just because you’re not a drummer, doesn’t mean you don’t have to keep time.
You’ve got to dig it to dig it, you dig?
Avoid the hecklers.
Always leave them wanting more.
Stay in shape!
When you’re swinging, swing some more!
(What should we wear tonight?) Sharp as possible!
Whatever you think can’t be done, somebody will come along & do it. A genius is the one most like himself.
They tried to get me to hate white people, but someone would always come along & spoil it.