Meaning: Ornette Coleman, the influential jazz musician, is known for his innovative and unorthodox approach to jazz improvisation and composition. The quote, "I've never had a relationship with a record executive. I always went to the record company by someone that liked my playing. Then they would get fired, and I'd be left with the record company. And then - because they got fired - the record company wouldn't do anything for me," sheds light on the challenges and frustrations he faced in the music industry.

In this quote, Coleman reflects on the dynamics of his interactions with record companies and the lack of personal connections with record executives. His experience highlights a common struggle faced by many artists - the reliance on personal connections and the subsequent vulnerability when those connections are severed due to changes within the record company.

Coleman's statement underscores the importance of personal relationships and advocacy within the music industry. Rather than having a direct relationship with a record executive, he emphasizes that his entrance into the record company was often facilitated by someone who appreciated his musical talent. This underscores the significance of personal connections and advocates who recognize and support the artist's work, allowing them to navigate the complexities of the industry.

The subsequent departure of the individuals who initially supported Coleman resulted in a sense of abandonment and disillusionment with the record company. The firing of these advocates left Coleman in a precarious position, as the record company, lacking the personal investment and connection, was less inclined to support his creative endeavors. This experience speaks to the vulnerability of artists within the industry, as their success and support are often contingent on the shifting dynamics of the record companies and the individuals within them.

Furthermore, Coleman's account exposes the challenges and power imbalances within the music industry. The dependence on personal connections and the subsequent impact of personnel changes within record companies highlight the fragility of an artist's position in the industry. The lack of sustained support from the record company following the departure of his advocates underscores the precarious nature of an artist's relationship with the industry and the challenges they face in maintaining artistic integrity and creative autonomy.

Overall, Coleman's quote provides insight into the complex and often tumultuous dynamics that artists navigate within the music industry. It underscores the significance of personal connections and advocacy, while also shedding light on the vulnerability and challenges artists face when those connections are disrupted or severed. This quote serves as a poignant reflection on the power dynamics and personal relationships that shape an artist's journey within the music industry.