She was born in Marlin, Texas, and raised in Dallas. Her flute training included classical and jazz styles in high school. She continued her studies at Texas Southern University and Southern Methodist University. Dizzy Gillespie saw Humphrey play at a talent contest at Southern Methodist, and inspired her to pursue a musical career in New York City. She followed his advice, getting her first big break performing at the Apollo Theatre on Amateur Night. She eventually began playing regularly throughout the city, including a gig with Duke Ellington.
By 1972, she was recording for the Blue Note Jazz label, one of the first female instrumentalists to do so. Humphrey has played with well-known musicians, ranging from Duke Ellington to Lee Morgan. Guitarist George Benson and Humphrey were guest musicians on Humphrey's friend Stevie Wonder's single "Another Star" from his Songs in the Key of Life (1976) album. In 1976, she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard. In 1994 Humphrey launched her label, Paradise Sounds Records, releasing Passion Flute, which continues to be one of her best-selling recordings.
Bobbi Humphrey has played at the Apollo Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Russian River Jazz Festival (Northern California), and other venues around the world.
Chicago Damn
Bobbi Humphrey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Skyways smoking, nobodys joking
People coming in old enough to vote
Or rapping in the park way past dark
Or rapping in the park way past dark
Or rapping in the park way past dark
Along come the mail man
Violence is his teacher man
Chicago, damn
Chicago, damn
Chicago, damn
Chicago, damn
Chicago, damn
In Bobbi Humphrey's song "Chicago Damn," the lyrics seem to be a commentary on the darker aspects of life in the city of Chicago. The song depicts late-night scenes of smoking skies, young people hanging out in parks after dark, and a sense of danger and violence lurking in the background. It's clear that the song's narrator is troubled by what she sees around her, but she also seems to be resigned to the fact that this is just the way things are in Chicago.
The repeated refrain of "Chicago damn" seems to express the singer's frustration and disillusionment, and the fact that the phrase is repeated so many times underscores the severity of the situation. The implication is that the problems in Chicago are deeply ingrained and pervasive, and that they may not be easily solved. The lyrics suggest a sense of hopelessness and despair, but also a fierce determination to face the reality of the situation head on.
Overall, "Chicago Damn" is a powerful and evocative song that portrays the harsh realities of life in an urban environment. It speaks to the challenges faced by many young people growing up in cities like Chicago, but it also offers a glimpse of the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Late at night when things go wrong
During the late hours of the night when things turn sour and unpleasant.
Skyways smoking, nobodys joking
The skyline is filled with smoke, and everyone is serious, focused only on surviving.
People coming in old enough to vote
People arrive who are old enough to vote, so they should be capable of making a positive difference in the city.
Or rapping in the park way past dark
Or, alternatively, individuals participating in artistic forms of self-expression, like rap music, in public spaces late at night.
Along come the mail man
The mail carrier makes an appearance, however, this fleeting moment of normality is disrupted by what comes next.
Can't hear the preacher man
The voice of the preacher man, who should be bringing words of hope and encouragement, is being drowned out.
Violence is his teacher man
The sound of violence is the real teacher of those who inhabit this chaotic and dangerous environment.
Chicago, damn
The song's chorus repeats the phrase 'Chicago, damn,' to express feelings of frustration and despair related to the city's problems.
Chicago, damn
Chicago, damn
Chicago, damn
Writer(s): Larry Mizell
Contributed by Elena O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
LESLEY A. LOVE
I CAN RECALL WHEN THIS ALBUM WAS HOT, RELEASED AND FRESH OFF THE WAX, WITH SOMETHING
FRESH AND NEW TO MY EARS
AND ONE AMAZING MASTERPIECE
WORK OF ART FROM
BOBBI HUMPHREY TRULY
AMAZING AND UNFORGETTABLE
CLASSIC JAZZ RECORDING ARTIST
L. ANGEL LOVE
MS. BOBBI HUMPHREY
WAS THE 1st. BEST JAZZY
FLUTE RECORDING ARTIST
THAT I HAD EVER HEARD
A PRECIOUS DIAMOND SO RARE
AND ONE EXTRAORDINARE
I COULD LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM
FROM COVER TO COVER WITH
GURANTEED THE BEST CONCERT
ANYONE HAS EVER HEARD
I MUST SAY THAT WHEN
THIS ALBUM WAS RELEASED
LESLEY A. LOVE
MY FAVORITE AND THE BEST
QUALITY MUSIC, I HEARD THIS
ALBUM LEAVING
CINCINNATI OHIO THE YEAR IT
WAS RELEASED AND I WAS VERY
IMPRESS WITH THIS MUSIC AND
FOR THE FIRST TIME HEAR A
FEMALE PLAY THIS AMAZING GENUINE MASTERPIECE OF ART
AND INSTRUMENT EXTREMELY
SO WELL GIFTED WITH
EXTRAORDINARY TALENT
L. ANGEL LOVE
I. CAN RECALL WHEN THIS ALBUM WAS RELEASED IT WAS HOT
THE AND I PLAYED IT 247
AND I MUST SAY THAT
BOBBIE HUMPHREY MUSIC
WAS AND REMAINS A GREAT
MASTERPIECE WORK OF ART
AND STILL A WISE INVESTMENT
IF YOU CAN FIND FIND THE CD
ON SALE I KNOW I WOULD
BE GLAD TO HAVE A COPY
GVL
On those cold grey days living in Southern Indiana, lack of opportunity for a black man this album by my sister Bobbi Humphrey helped me take my mind off my surroundings and get through another day. I been to Chicago as a teen and again during winter of 1972-73. I close my eyes and see myself there gliding down the avenues checking out the sights. And Harlem River drive;, she made feel like I had experienced it. Thanks to all who contributed to this timeless album.
TB 12
God I love this song. Truly incredible. Takes my mind to a different dimension even when I’m sober. Need to listen to more of Bobby Humphrey. Harlem river drive is also a great song.
Quit That
The Mizell Brothers were genius when they hooked up with Bobbi...
Some of all of there best work!
anthony jordan
I have always loved this song. It will forever be one of my favorite songs.
Lynne
Bobbi just killed this!!! Painted the hood for ya with her flute!!!
TB 12
Honestly, probably the greatest song I’ve ever listened too. Love artists who can tell a story with a flute.
aquarianrealm
Considering the state of today's music..I'd say it's still what's happening. I groove to mostly 70s stuff, even now. The Mizell brothers were musical GODS!
Seth Stratford
Grew up listening to Light Classic Music .&R&B heard this at12yrs old . The Best combination of both. Just poetry in motion.
Red Aquarian
Well written music. It speaks smack dab to the streets.
Lesley Love
BOBBI HUMPHREY WAS TRULY AMAZING IN OWN TIME AND REMAINS ONE OF
THE GREATEST LEGENDARY JAZZY MUSICIAN AND HER FIRST ALBUM WAS
MADE TO PERFECTION AND
"CHICAGO DAMN" IS MY FAVORITE JAZZY 1