‘It Wasn’t Because I Was Authentic’ — Toshiko Akiyoshi Quote Tee | Wear Words Black-on-White Statement Shirt — Muscle Tank

“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 3483 — Muscle Tank (Black only for now, Color finish).** A white option isn’t available from our printer at the moment — we’ll add it the moment it is. 100% combed & ring-spun cotton, 4.2 oz, 30 singles. Unisex muscle fit, crew neck, cut-off sleeves, wide armholes, side-seamed, pre-shrunk. Care: machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low, no bleach, cool iron inside-out (never iron the print).