Meaning: This quote by Jimmy Smith, a renowned jazz musician, captures the essence of the journey to finding one's unique artistic expression. The process of discovering and honing one's sound is a central theme for many musicians, and Smith's words resonate with the dedication and persistence required to achieve creative breakthroughs. In this quote, Smith emphasizes the time and effort it took for him to uncover his distinctive sound, underscoring the significance of this milestone in his musical career.

The phrase "And then when I found my sound" signifies a pivotal moment in Smith's artistic development. It suggests a turning point, a moment of clarity when he identified the specific musical style and expression that resonated with him on a profound level. This notion of finding one's sound is a fundamental aspect of artistic growth, as it represents the alignment of personal identity with creative output. For a musician, discovering their sound can be a transformative experience, marking the transition from emulation to originality, from searching to self-realization.

The mention of "two and a half weeks" in the quote conveys the time and dedication Smith invested in the process of finding his sound. This timeframe is significant as it illustrates the commitment required to explore and experiment with different musical elements, techniques, and influences. It highlights the patience and persistence essential to the creative journey, emphasizing that artistic breakthroughs often demand sustained effort and unwavering focus. The duration of two and a half weeks also serves as a reminder that the quest for artistic identity is not always immediate or effortless, but rather a deliberate and iterative process.

Smith's declaration that "when I did I pulled out all the stops, all the stops I could find" reflects the fervent determination and wholehearted dedication he applied once he discovered his sound. The expression "pulling out all the stops" originates from the organ, where it refers to fully engaging all the organ stops to produce the most powerful sound. In a broader sense, it signifies using all available resources and unleashing one's full creative potential. Smith's use of this metaphor conveys the depth of his commitment to fully realizing and expressing his newfound musical identity. It conveys a sense of urgency and wholeheartedness, as if he were compelled to exhaust every avenue of creativity and expression once he had discovered his true artistic voice.

In essence, Jimmy Smith's quote encapsulates the profound significance of finding one's sound as a musician and the dedication required to reach that milestone. It underscores the transformative nature of this journey, from the search for identity and authenticity to the unleashing of creative potential. Smith's words serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring musicians and artists, reminding them of the perseverance and unwavering dedication necessary to uncover their unique artistic voices. Additionally, the quote offers insight into the personal experience of a prominent musician, shedding light on the inner workings of the creative process and the profound impact of discovering one's sound.