"Since I was seventeen I thought I might be a star. I'd think about all my heroes, Charlie Parker, Jimi Hendrix... I had a romantic feeling about how these people became famous"

In this quote, Jean-Michel Basquiat reviews his vibrant goals and the glamorized concept of fame. At seventeen, an age frequently characterized by idealism and aspiration, Basquiat pictured himself as a star, aligning himself with his heroes-- artists like Charlie Parker and Jimi Hendrix, who had actually achieved iconic statuses. This comparison is considerable as it exposes Basquiat's appreciation for people who were not just tremendously talented but likewise advanced in their respective fields. Parker and Hendrix were known for pressing limits, both musically and culturally, and their impact extended far beyond their immediate genres.

Basquiat's referral to these figures underscores his understanding of popularity as something that is not merely accomplished through talent alone, however through a capability to go beyond the regular, to tap into something transformative and unique. His usage of the word "romantic" suggests an idealized vision of how these people reached their status, perhaps implying that he saw their journeys as almost mythic or destined. This perspective could suggest his own yearning for achievement, for leaving a mark as indelible as those left by Parker and Hendrix.

Furthermore, the quote welcomes reflection on the nature of fame itself. By invoking these legendary figures, Basquiat mean the intricacies and challenges that frequently accompany the pursuit of acknowledgment and legacy. Both Parker and Hendrix faced personal battles that watched their public success. In saying he had a "romantic sensation" about their courses, Basquiat may be acknowledging the attraction of their achievements while likewise, maybe unconsciously, acknowledging the risks of such a pursuit.

Eventually, this reflective line speaks to the universal human desire for recognition and the effect of good example on forming one's ambitions. For Basquiat, whose own life would end up being emblematic of the intricacies of fame and art, this quote highlights an aspirational journey tempered by reverence and realism.