Bix Beiderbecke (March 10, 1903 – August 6, 1931) was a notable jazz cornet… Read Full Bio ↴Bix Beiderbecke (March 10, 1903 – August 6, 1931) was a notable jazz cornet player.

It was widely believed, for many years, that Beiderbecke's real name was Leon Bismark Beiderbecke. It is now known that this — like so many other myths about Beiderbecke — is untrue. His real name was Leon Bix Beiderbecke. Bismark was a family name, reflecting the family's German origins, but it was not given to Beiderbecke. "Bix" was a family nickname of his father and older brother, given him as a proper name.
Leon Bix Beiderbecke was born in Davenport, Iowa to a middle-class family. As a teenager he would sneak off to the banks of the Mississippi to listen to the bands play on the riverboats that would come up from the south.

Partially due to frequent absences due to illness, Beiderbecke's grades suffered. His parents felt that sending him to the exclusive Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois, just northwest of Chicago, would provide the attention and discipline needed to improve his schooling.

Beiderbecke's schooling there soon suffered when the only subjects he showed avid interest in were music and sports. Bix soon began going into Chicago as often as possible to catch the hot jazz bands of the day at clubs and speakeasies around Chicago, and too often didn't return in time or was found out the next day.

Beiderbecke was soon asked to leave the Academy due to his academic failings and extra-curricular activities in Chicago, and began his musical career in earnest.

Beiderbecke first recorded with his band "The Wolverine Orchestra" (usually called just The Wolverines, named for "Wolverine Blues" by Jelly Roll Morton because they played it so often) in 1924, then became a sought-after musician in Chicago, Illinois and New York City, New York. He made innovative and influential recordings with Frankie Trumbauer ("Tram") and the Jean Goldkette Orchestra. When the Goldkette Orchestra disbanded after their last recording ("In My Merry Oldsmobile"), in May 1927, Bix and Trumbauer, a 'C' Melody and alto saxophone player, briefly joined Adrian Rollini's band at the Club New Yorker, New York, before moving on to the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, the most popular and highest paid band of the day.

Beiderbecke suffered health problems from an early age, though the relentless schedule of the road and heavy drinking leading to alcoholism began to contribute to and exacerbate a decline in his health. Bix suffered from severe pain in his legs and other ill effects of prohibition era alcohol and with declining work around the New York City area, he took a turn for the worse.

Though his death certificate described the cause of death as pneumonia, and he was in seriously ill health, the circumstances immediately surrounding his death are still unclear. He died at the age of 28, in his apartment at 43-30 46th Street, Sunnyside, Queens, within the confines of the City of New York on August 6, 1931.

Lovable
Bix Beiderbecke Lyrics

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Lovable!
There's no use talking,
You're so lovable!
When we go walking I throw out my chest,
Say, you're the best;
Others just imitate
Kisses that you create!

Lovable!
You got a way of epttin'
That just drives me wild!
Say!
Heaven above-able,

Made you so lovable,
Love me, lovable child!

Overall Meaning

The song "Lovable" performed by Bix Beiderbecke & Paul Whiteman And His Orchestra is a tribute to a person who is irresistible and charming. The lyrics express the singer's appreciation for the person's lovable nature, which makes them stand out from the rest. When they go out for walks, the singer feels proud to be seen with someone so lovable, and others can only try to imitate the passion and affection that this person can create with their kisses.

The singer is completely driven wild by this person's enchanting ways, and they acknowledge that heaven above-able must have played a role in creating such a lovable being. They end the song by pleading with the person to love them back because they are just as lovable as they are.

Overall, this song celebrates the power of love and how it can make someone so lovable that they stand out from the rest of the crowd. The lyrics express the joy and excitement that come with being around such a person and the desire to have that person's love.

Line by Line Meaning

Lovable!
You are simply adorable and charming!

There's no use talking,
Words cannot express how much I adore you!

You're so lovable!
Your personality and demeanor are incredibly endearing!

When we go walking I throw out my chest,
I am proud to be with you and show you off to others!

Say, you're the best;
There is nobody better or more wonderful than you!

Others just imitate
People try to copy and emulate the way you express affection!

Kisses that you create!
Your loving gestures and kisses are unique and unforgettable!

You got a way of epttin'
Your style of talking and way of being is absolutely charming!

That just drives me wild!
You make me so passionate and excited just by being yourself!

Say!
Let me tell you something!

Heaven above-able,
Your beauty and goodness are heaven-sent!

Made you so lovable,
Your innate qualities are what make you so likable and precious!

Love me, lovable child!
Please love me back, my wonderful and cherished sweetheart!

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BEN BERNIE, RALPH HOLMES, RICHARD A. WHITING, SEYMOUR SIMONS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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