Meaning: Norman Granz was a significant figure in the world of jazz music as a producer, manager, and promoter. He is best known for his work in organizing the Jazz at the Philharmonic concert series, as well as for founding several record labels, including Norgran and Verve. Granz was also an advocate for racial equality and played a pivotal role in breaking down racial barriers in the music industry.

The quote, "There are many artists that I present that I admit I like less than I do others. But I think that they warrant being presented by my own, personal standards," reflects Granz's approach to promoting and presenting jazz musicians. It speaks to his commitment to showcasing artists based on their talent and merit rather than personal preference or popularity.

Granz was known for championing musicians who he believed deserved recognition and opportunities, regardless of their commercial appeal or mainstream popularity. He was dedicated to providing a platform for talented artists who might have been overlooked or marginalized due to racial discrimination or other factors.

In the context of the quote, Granz's "personal standards" likely refer to his own criteria for evaluating and selecting artists to showcase. This could encompass a range of factors, including musical skill, creativity, originality, and the potential for artistic growth and development. Granz's emphasis on personal standards suggests that he was driven by a genuine passion for the music and a desire to uplift deserving artists, rather than being swayed by external pressures or commercial considerations.

It's important to note that Granz's approach to promoting artists based on merit and personal standards was particularly significant in the historical and social context of the music industry during his career. He was active during a time when racial segregation and discrimination were pervasive, and he actively worked to challenge and dismantle these barriers within the jazz world.

Granz's commitment to presenting artists based on their own merits aligns with his broader advocacy for racial equality and civil rights. Through his work with Jazz at the Philharmonic and his record labels, he provided opportunities for African American musicians to perform and record, often alongside white musicians, at a time when such collaborations were rare.

Overall, Norman Granz's quote reflects his dedication to promoting and presenting jazz artists based on his own personal standards of talent and merit, rather than commercial considerations or personal preferences. His legacy as a music promoter and advocate for racial equality continues to have a lasting impact on the jazz world, and his commitment to uplifting deserving artists is a testament to his enduring influence.