‘It Wasn’t Because I Was Authentic’ — Toshiko Akiyoshi Quote Tee | RQuéV Black-on-White Statement Shirt — Classic Tee

“It wasn’t because I was authentic. It was because I was strange.” Toshiko Akiyoshi said this to the Los Angeles Times, looking back at her 1950s arrival in American jazz — a Japanese woman playing ferocious Bud Powell piano, drawing press she knew was for the spectacle more than the playing. She answered the only way that lasts, by becoming undeniable: she led her own big band for decades until the music was the story.

**Bella+Canvas 3001 — Classic Tee (White, Crisp finish).** 100% Airlume combed & ring-spun cotton, 4.2 oz, 32 singles — smooth, tight-knit, holds crisp type. Unisex retail fit, crew neck, side-seamed, pre-shrunk. Care: machine wash cold inside-out with like colors, no fabric softener, tumble dry low or hang dry, cool iron inside-out (never iron the print).

**Bella+Canvas 3001 — Classic Tee (Black, Color finish).** 100% Airlume combed & ring-spun cotton, 4.2 oz, 32 singles. Unisex retail fit, crew neck, side-seamed, pre-shrunk. Care: machine wash cold inside-out with like colors, no fabric softener, tumble dry low or hang dry, cool iron inside-out (never iron the print).