In 1944 popular touring bandleader Buddy Johnson found Prysock in Hartford Connecticut and signed him as a vocalist. Prysock became a mainstay of the live big band performance circuit, singing on several of Buddy Johnson’s hits on Decca Records ("Jet My Love", 1947 and "I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone", 1948) and later on Mercury Records ("Because", 1950). Other signature tracks that Prysock recorded for Buddy Johnson's Orchestra between 1944 and 1952 included “They All Say I’m the Biggest Fool,” and “At Last.”
He went solo in the early 1950's, and had an R&B hit with "I Didn't Sleep a Wink Last Night," and was oft found performing on the road with his saxophonist brother Red Prysock. Tracks like "I Worry 'Bout You" in 1958, "The Very Thought of You" in 1960, and 1965's "It's Too Late Baby, It's Too Late" were hits on the Old Town label. Old Town, became his home through much of the late 50's & early 60's and again through the 70's after a brief late 60's stint with Verve.
With his concert popularity building, Verve picked him up, and paired him with Count Basie for an album in 1965, and after years of one-nighters on the Chitlin circuit, he finally performed at Carnegie Hall in 1966. Many productions from the 60's & 70's place Prysock in baths of syrupy strings & over orchestrated arrangements that have woefully buried his voice. He remains largely under appreciated as an 'easy listening' artist by modern audiences, with the Verve Music Group not even bothering to provide a bio on their website, despite selling his recordings.
In the 70s, he kept recording for Old Town, and had smatterings of success like the circa '73 Northern Soul In The Rain fave and a surprise disco hit with "When Love Is New". By 1980 "I'm Never Gonna Let You Go" was recorded for Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International label . In 1985, recorded his first new album in almost a decade,signing with Milestone Records in 1986. He continued recording jazz ballads & blues for Milestone, accompanied by his brother Red Prysock. His Milestone recordings were considered comebacks and “A Rockin’ Good Way,” (’85) and its follow up, “This Guy’s in Love with You,” (’86) rekindled his career, and he received 2 Grammy nomination for his latter career efforts, one a duet with Betty Joplin. His last studio effort was released in 1987, and a collection of his Milestone Recordings was re-issued in 2000 via the Concord Music Group. Prysock received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1995 and passed away in 1997 after suffering an aneurysm at age 73 in Bermuda where he had a retirement residence.
Autumn in New York
Arthur Prysock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why does it seem so inviting
Autumn in New York
It spells the thrill of first-nighting
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
In canyons of steel
They're making me feel - I'm home
It's autumn in New York
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in New York
Is often mingled with pain
Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
Autumn in New York
The gleaming rooftops at sundown
Oh, autumn in New York
It lifts you up when you run down
Yes, jaded rouâ??s and gay divorces
Who lunch at the Ritz
Will tell you that it's divine
This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
Oh, autumn in New York
You'll need no castles in Spain
Yes, lovers that bless the dark
On the benches in central park
Greet autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
Autumn in New York
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in New York
Is often mingled with pain
Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
Arthur Prysock's "Autumn in New York" is a love song to New York City in the fall. The lyrics are full of imagery and emotion as the singer reflects on the beauty and promise of the season. The opening lines express the singer's sense of irresistible allure that draws him to New York every fall. He speaks of the sense of excitement that comes with the season, and the hope of new love that it brings.
The chorus of the song is both bittersweet and hopeful. The singer acknowledges that autumn can be a time of sadness and regret, but he also sees it as a time for renewal and new beginnings. He speaks of dreamers who long for faraway lands, but also of the transformative power of New York City in the fall, which can make even the slums feel like Mayfair. The final lines of the song bring the focus back to love, and to the joy of sharing the season with someone special.
"Autumn in New York" is a classic song that has been covered by many artists over the years. It was originally written by Vernon Duke in 1934 for a Broadway show called "Thumbs Up!" The song has since become a standard, and has been recorded by everyone from Billie Holiday to Frank Sinatra. The song was also featured in the Woody Allen film "Manhattan," adding to its popularity.
Line by Line Meaning
Autumn in New York
The joy of experiencing the autumn season in New York is being expressed.
Why does it seem so inviting
The singer ponders why the city feels so welcoming and enticing during this time of year.
It spells the thrill of first-nighting
The excitement of first-time encounters is evoked by the season.
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
The bright lights of the city and the beauty of the sky are being observed.
In canyons of steel
Referring to the skyscrapers that make up the urban landscape of New York.
They're making me feel - I'm home
Despite the hustle and bustle, the singer recognizes a sense of belonging in the city.
That brings the promise of new love
The season brings with it the possibility of new romantic relationships.
Is often mingled with pain
However, the same season can also be associated with heartbreak and sadness.
Dreamers with empty hands
People who feel that they have nothing are yearning for an escape to a different world.
They sigh for exotic lands
Their desire is to escape to faraway, unfamiliar places.
The gleaming rooftops at sundown
The sight of sunsets on the city's buildings is acknowledged as beautiful.
It lifts you up when you run down
The city can have a rejuvenating effect on a person when they're feeling low.
Yes, jaded rouâ??s and gay divorces
Bitter and unhappy people can still be found in the city.
Who lunch at the Ritz
Wealthy people still frequent expensive places in the city despite their troubles.
Will tell you that it's divine
Despite their problems, they can still appreciate the beauty and splendor of the city during autumn.
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
Even the city's impoverished areas can have a touch of glamour during the season.
You'll need no castles in Spain
The beauty of New York in autumn can rival that of even the grandest locations around the world.
Yes, lovers that bless the dark
Couples who enjoy quiet moments together in the park under the night sky are acknowledged as a sweet sight.
On the benches in central park
A specific location in the city is referenced where couples can be found enjoying each other's company.
Greet autumn in New York
The arrival of the season is welcomed with open arms.
It's good to live it again
There is a sense of joy and contentment in experiencing the season of autumn in New York once more.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GERSHWINGAL7
In love with this song. Prysock is probably the best baritone ever in pop music.
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Santino Zechariah
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amtrakatsfnyc
Arthur Prysock is an example of how God given talent shines when placed in the body of a person who has soul and compassion. How can any performance top this posting. Arthur is my favorite. God Bless his soul. His family should be proud.
Robert Conti Jazz Guitar
You are correct. I would also add that, when Arthur Prysock sings "Autumn In New York" one could feel the chill in the air of a gloomy day in NY !
dst35bwl
Anyone who sings in the shower, in bed,on the street--anywhere. Anyone who is a compulsive singer. Anyone who awakens singing. Wishes he could sound like Arthur Prysock.
Aslan Lion
Billy Eckstine had a nice voice, but as far as I'm concerned he couldn't touch Arthur. The first album I ever bought back in the sixties was by Arthur, now I've got quite a collection. Arthur Prysock and Brook Benton, my 2 FAVORITE singers. Gone but never forgotten.