He also championed African-American composers of the same period such as Eubie Blake, James P. Johnson, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, presenting their work not in a polemical way, but as simply the obvious equal of that of their white contemporaries.
His dedication to his great love – what he called the "Great American Song" – left him equally adept at performing the witty lyrics of Bessie Smith's "Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of Beer)" or Gershwin and Duke's "I Can't Get Started." Short stated his favorite songwriters were Ellington, Arlen and Kern, and he was instrumental in spearheading the construction of the Ellington Memorial in New York City.
He was born in Danville, Illinois, United States, where one of his school classmates was Dick Van Dyke. He began performing as a busker after leaving home at the age of eleven for Chicago, with his mother's permission.
He started working in clubs in the 1940s. In 1968 he was offered a two-week stint at the Café Carlyle in New York City, to fill in for George Feyer. Short (accompanied by Beverly Peer on bass and Dick Sheridan on drums) became an institution at the Carlyle, as Feyer had been before him, and remained there as a featured performer for over 35 years. There, a combination of traits – his seemingly effortless elegance; his vocal phrasing (perfected, as was that of Frank Sinatra, at the feet of Miss Mabel Mercer, with perhaps also some help from Ethel Waters); his talent for presenting unknown songs worth knowing while keeping well known songs fresh; his infectious good cheer; and his resolute, self-disciplined professionalism – earned him great respect and made him tremendously popular. Bobby Short was generous with his impromptu all-night performances at his various favorite cafes and restaurants. He was a regular patron at Ted Hook's Backstage, located at Eighth Avenue and Forty-Fifth Street.
1972: Short sings theme song in James Ivory's film Savages.
1976: Short sings and appears in a commercial for Revlon's perfume "Charlie."
1985: Short sings and appears in the beginning portion of the Misfits of Science theme song.
1986: Short appears in the Woody Allen film Hannah and Her Sisters. Then Allen used his recording "I Happen To Like New York" for opening title of Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993).
1991: Short stars as blues musician Ches Collins on the TV series In the Heat of the Night in which he sings the title track, Sweet, Sweet Blues.
1994: Short reprises his role as blues musician Ches Collins on the TV series In the Heat of the Night.
1999: Short appears in the Movie "Man of the Century"
2000: The Library of Congress designates Short a Living Legend, a recognition established as part of its bicentennial celebration.
2003: Short sings and plays piano in at least one episode of 7th Heaven on TV.
2004: Short announces he will end his regular appearances at the Café Carlyle by the end of the year, in favor of touring, traveling and spending time with friends.
2005: Short dies of leukemia at New York Presbyterian Hospital on March 21, 2005, aged 80 and is buried in Atherton Cemetery in Danville, Illinois, the city of his birth.
Autumn in New York
Bobby Short 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
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 again.
This Autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair.
Autumn in New York,
You need no castles in Spain.
Lovers that bless the dark
On benches in Central Park,
It's Autumn in New York,
It's good to live again.
The song "Autumn in New York" by Bobby Short is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the essence of autumn in the city. The song portrays the author's love for the season and how it brings a sense of excitement and renewal. The opening lines of the song, "Autumn in New York, Why does it seem so inviting?", pose a question that is simple but profound. It suggests that there is a mystery and attractiveness to the city during the autumn that draws people in.
The song goes on to describe the vibrant and bustling environment that one experiences during the autumn months in New York. The "glittering crowds and shimmering clouds in canyons of steel" evoke images of the skyscrapers and busy streets that fill the city. The lyrics suggest that this energy and excitement make the author feel at home. Even though the city can be intimidating, the autumn brings a sense of comfort and belonging.
Additionally, the song captures the dichotomy between the promise of new love and the pain of heartbreak. The fall season is often associated with new beginnings, and the author suggests that this is especially true in New York. However, the reality is that not all dreams are realized, and many people are left longing for something more. The song alludes to the fact that the city can be a lonely place, but the beauty of autumn helps to alleviate that feeling.
In conclusion, "Autumn in New York" is a beautiful and contemplative song that captures the spirit of one of the most magical times of the year. From the sense of renewal and possibility to the vibrancy of the city, the song portrays the complex emotions that the season evokes.
Line by Line Meaning
Autumn in New York,
The season of Autumn in New York City.
Why does it seem so inviting?
Why does this season seem so alluring?
Autumn in New York,
The season of Autumn in New York City.
It spells the thrill of first-nighting.
It brings the excitement of new beginnings.
Glittering crowds
The vibrant and lively people.
And shimmering clouds
The beautiful skies with clouds.
In canyons of steel,
Amidst the towering skyscrapers.
They're making me feel
They evoke a feeling within me.
I'm home.
I belong here.
It's Autumn in New York
The season of Autumn in New York City.
That brings the promise of new love,
That brings the hope of a new romantic adventure.
Autumn in New York
The season of Autumn in New York City.
Is often mingled with pain.
Can be mixed with sadness and disappointment.
Dreamers with empty hands,
People with unrealized dreams and empty pockets.
They sigh for exotic lands,
They long for faraway, exotic places.
It's Autumn in New York,
The season of Autumn in New York City.
It's good to live again.
It feels wonderful to be alive and present in the moment.
This Autumn in New York
The current season of Autumn in New York City.
Transforms the slums into Mayfair.
Turns the poor neighborhoods into beautiful settings.
Autumn in New York,
The season of Autumn in New York City.
You need no castles in Spain.
You don't need to go to Spain to feel enchanted.
Lovers that bless the dark
Couples who find romance in the darkness.
On benches in Central Park,
Sitting on the park benches in Central Park.
It's Autumn in New York,
The season of Autumn in New York City.
It's good to live again.
It feels wonderful to be alive and present in the moment.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind