"I know when I started I would have been happy to sound like the Beatles or Joe Tex or whoever. You want to sound like most bands, you want to sound like their records and that's how you learn your chops"

Jon Anderson's quote speaks with the significance of gaining from the greats. He acknowledges that when he first started out, he wanted to seem like the Beatles or Joe Tex, two iconic artists. This is a typical belief among striving musicians, as they strive to replicate the sounds of their idols. Anderson highlights that this is how you discover your chops, suggesting the skills and methods essential to end up being a successful artist. He is recommending that by studying the music of the greats, you can discover the basics of music and establish your own distinct sound. Anderson's quote is a reminder that the best method to end up being a great musician is to gain from the greats.