Most musicians count at the beginning, and never count and talk to their musicians after that. They only talk to them at the end of the song. But I would count with them and talk. – Roy Ayers
I was with PolyGram; that was the big label that I was with for the longest, like 12 years. – Roy Ayers
Back in the day, I used to be in the studio recording 20 hours a day. And that was all of the time. I still record a lot of hours, but I don’t go as long as I used to. – Roy Ayers
Artists don’t always know. Almost every song I ever recorded that was a hit at the majors that the promotional people picked I didn’t think it would be a hit. I was wrong every time! – Roy Ayers
What we call soul has been around a long time. It comes out of a particular culture that is African in origin, but influenced by 250 years of slavery, as well as other forms of racial oppression. – Roy Ayers
Most artists have contracts directly with the record company, and when they do music, all of their music is owned by the record company. But I did mine through a production company. – Roy Ayers
I couldn’t get my album played over the so-called smooth jazz stations. Jazz stations would not play it. You don’t always know who you’re making that soul connection with. – Roy Ayers
I generally sell my records online or at the show. You can undersell the distributor and the stores, and people know what they’re getting cause they’ve just seen you live. – Roy Ayers
I was being an artist, being sensitive and technical as artists are. I’m sure Leonardo Da Vinci did that. Artists don’t always feel the same as others feel about their work. – Roy Ayers
Some people really trip on success or popularity. My friends would talk to me about that, about tripping on all this stuff, but you know what I tripped on? I started buying property. – Roy Ayers
I don’t think I’m really so unique. If every black person looked at their life they would quickly discover that they have been influenced by every type of music prevalent in America. – Roy Ayers
Having good health, being able to breathe and be happy, that’s one of the most beautiful gifts. On top of that, I have the gift to play music and make people happy through that. I’m just telling you from my heart, I’m so in love with life. – Roy Ayers
Now I get exposure first with people directly in the clubs. This is a unique situation for me. – Roy Ayers
I still look good. I’m trippin’, but people tell me that all the time. So check it out, I’m 63, and still kicking. I’ve been putting records out every year. – Roy Ayers
The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers. – Roy Ayers
