Thelonious Monk was one of the musicians I most connected with early on. I'm a huge Betty Carter fan, and the way that Abbey Lincoln and Shirley Horn grew immensely from the time they were young is so inspirational.

In this quote, Cecile McLorin Salvant reflects on the deep connection she felt with legendary musicians like Thelonious Monk, Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln, and Shirley Horn. She highlights how Monk's music resonated with her from an early age, marking him as one of her key musical influences. Her admiration for these artists underscores the significant role they played in shaping her own musical identity and approach to jazz.

Salvant expresses her inspiration from the way these artists evolved throughout their careers, particularly Abbey Lincoln and Shirley Horn, who grew immensely from their youth. This speaks to the transformative power of music and how these musicians developed both technically and emotionally over time. For Salvant, their growth serves as a motivational example of how artistry can deepen and expand with age and experience.

By mentioning her admiration for Betty Carter, Salvant emphasizes her respect for musicians who are not only technically proficient but also deeply expressive in their work. Carter's ability to push boundaries in jazz and her unique voice left a lasting impact on Salvant, further fueling her own musical journey. This reference to Carter and other icons reflects Salvant’s desire to follow in the footsteps of those who were bold and innovative in their artistry.

Ultimately, Salvant’s quote is about the inspiration she draws from the growth and evolution of jazz greats. Their ability to challenge norms and continually refine their craft serves as a guiding light in Salvant’s own journey, showing her the importance of both creative development and remaining true to her artistic voice.