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.
Love Is Here To Stay
Bobby Short Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not for a year but ever and a day
The radio and the telephone and the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies and in time may go
But oh, my dear, our love is here to stay
Together we're going a long, long way
In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble
But our love is here to stay
In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble
They're only made of clay
But our love is here to stay
In Bobby Short's song "Love Is Here To Stay," the lyrics convey a message of everlasting commitment in a world of constant change. The first two lines make it clear that the singer's love is not temporary but rather enduring, unlike the fleeting trends of popular culture. The reference to the radio, telephone and movies emphasizes the passing nature of these things. The third and fourth lines suggest that while these passing fancies may come and go, the love between the two individuals is here to stay.
The second stanza continues to highlight the strength and endurance of their love together. The use of "long, long way" emphasizes the journey they will embark on together and the steadfast nature of their bond. The image of the Rockies crumbling and Gibraltar tumbling is powerful, as both are seen as symbols of strength and stability. However, the singer asserts that their love is even stronger than these seemingly immovable objects. The repetition of the final line shows that this message is the central theme of the song.
Overall, the lyrics of "Love Is Here To Stay" convey a positive message of steadfast love and commitment in a world where things are constantly changing. The message is timeless and resonates with anyone who has experienced true love.
Line by Line Meaning
It's very clear, our love is here to stay
Our love is strong and will endure the test of time.
Not for a year but ever and a day
Our love is not temporary, but everlasting.
The radio and the telephone and the movies that we know
Things that come and go and are not permanent such as popular music, telephone communication, and films.
May just be passing fancies and in time may go
These things are fleeting and may lose popularity over time.
But oh, my dear, our love is here to stay
Despite changes in popular culture, our love will remain strong and constant.
Together we're going a long, long way
Our love will continue to grow and last a lifetime.
In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble
Even massive and grand structures, like mountains and rock formations may eventually decay.
They're only made of clay
Despite the impressive appearance, these structures are only composed of ordinary materials.
But our love is here to stay
Our love is stronger than any physical structure or temporary trend.
Lyrics © RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind