" I came up at a time in the late ’60s, early ’70s where music was without boundaries. You’d go into a music store, and the music was in alphabetical order. I hadn’t heard of that word ‘genre.’ "
- Dianne Reeves

In the late '60s and early '70s, Dianne Reeves recalls a time when music was free from the constraints of genres. She mentions visiting music stores where albums were arranged alphabetically rather than by style or type, suggesting an era before music became compartmentalized into distinct categories such as rock, jazz, or pop. This period allowed for a more fluid and diverse musical experience.

The quote reflects on a time when creativity was not hindered by the rigid boundaries of genre classification. Musicians could draw inspiration from various styles without fear of being pigeonholed into one particular category. The alphabetical arrangement in music stores symbolizes an openness to new sounds and ideas, encouraging listeners to explore beyond their usual preferences. This era's musical landscape fostered innovation and cross-pollination between different musical traditions, leading to groundbreaking works that would not have been possible within a more rigid framework.

Dianne Reeves is a renowned American jazz vocalist known for her incredible vocal range, improvisational skills, and soulful interpretations of classic songs. Born in Chicago, she grew up surrounded by the vibrant music scene of the late '60s and early '70s, an era that profoundly influenced her musical journey and shaped her unique approach to singing and composing.