And yet Charlie Barnet was only significant in jazz for about a decade (1939-1949). Although his family wanted him to be a lawyer, he was a professional musician by the time he was 16 and ironically in his career made more money than he would have in business. Barnet arrived in New York in 1932 and started leading bands on records the following year, but his career was quite erratic until 1939. Many of Barnet's early records are worthy but some are quite commercial as he attempted to find a niche. Best is a sideman appearance on a 1934 Red Norvo date that also includes Artie Shaw and Teddy Wilson.
In 1939, with the hit recording of "Cherokee" and a very successful run at the Famous Door in New York, Charlie Barnet soon became a household name. In addition to the fine trumpeter Bobby Burnet (who soloed on many of Barnet's Bluebird records), such sidemen as guitarist Bus Etri; drummer Cliff Leeman; singers Lena Horne, Francis Wayne, and Kay Starr; pianist Dodo Marmarosa; clarinetist Buddy DeFranco; guitarist Barney Kessel; and even trumpeter Roy Eldridge spent time with Barnet's bands. Although at the height of his popularity during 1939-1942 (when his orchestra could often play a close imitation of Ellington's), Barnet's recordings for Decca during 1942-1946 were also of great interest with "Skyliner" being a best-seller.
By 1947 Barnet was starting to look toward bop. Clark Terry was his star trumpeter that year, and in 1949 his screaming trumpet section included Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, Rolf Ericson, and Ray Wetzel. Barnet, however, soon lost interest and near the end of 1949 he broke up his band. Semi-retired throughout the remainder of his life, Charlie Barnet occasionally led swing-oriented big bands during short tours and appearances, making his last recording in 1966.
Pompton turnpike
Charlie Barnet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Charlie Barnet
Pompton Turnpike, that's
A very famous Jersey roadway
Full of country charm.
Pompton Turnpike, leads you
To a place not far from Broadway,
You dine with lights subdued,
The music interlude puts you right in the mood
To dance and find yourself romance.
Pompton Turnpike, ride your bike
Or if you like just hitch hike,
Come to Pompton Turnpike
The song Pompton Turnpike by Charlie Barnet is a tribute to a famous roadway in New Jersey that is still remembered for its country charm. The lyrics describe how the road leads to a place that is not far from Broadway, yet it is still situated on a farm. This juxtaposition of urban and rural settings is evident in the line "still it's on a farm." The song is essentially an invitation to come to Pompton Turnpike, and the singer suggests that there is plenty to do there.
The next verse of the song describes the ambiance of Pompton Turnpike. According to the singer, the lights are subdued, and the music is just right for dancing and romance. The line "puts you right in the mood" implies that the atmosphere of the place is conducive to having a good time. The final verse of the song invites the listener to come to Pompton Turnpike, either by riding their bike or hitchhiking. The line "come to Pompton Turnpike" is repeated three times, emphasizing the singer's desire to share this special place with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Pompton Turnpike, that's
Introducing Pompton Turnpike, the subject of the song
A very famous Jersey roadway
Describing Pompton Turnpike as a well-known road in New Jersey
Full of country charm.
Highlighting the rural and charming qualities of Pompton Turnpike
Pompton Turnpike, leads you
Continuing to describe Pompton Turnpike and how it takes you somewhere
To a place not far from Broadway,
Revealing that Pompton Turnpike takes you to a place near Broadway
Still it's on a farm.
Contrasting the city-like Broadway with the rural farm location of Pompton Turnpike
You dine with lights subdued,
Describing the ambiance of the place where Pompton Turnpike takes you
The music interlude puts you right in the mood
Explaining how the music played at Pompton Turnpike enhances the atmosphere
To dance and find yourself romance.
Suggesting that Pompton Turnpike is a romantic place where people dance and potentially find love
Pompton Turnpike, ride your bike
Encouraging people to visit Pompton Turnpike and possibly recommending a form of transportation for getting there
Or if you like just hitchhike,
Offering an alternative mode of transportation for getting to Pompton Turnpike
Come to Pompton Turnpike
Inviting listeners to come and experience Pompton Turnpike for themselves
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIAM MATTHEW OSBORNE, DICK ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jeffrey Austin
We have somewhat stilted ideas about ballroom dancing these days. But with a partner that can dance spontaneously, this arrangement is heaven.
TheNintendoBrothers
My great-grandfather was a guitar player/arranger during the time of this recording, and was brought on by Barnet after his original guitarist was in a car accident. Great music and band!
Trombonology Erstwhile
One of the great instrumentals of the Big Band Era. An arresting intro and beautiful reeds in trumpeter-arranger Billy May's socko chart. Too, the burly brassman's mocking muted echoes of the leader's soprano sax statements are cute.
John Sientz
I grew up just down the road from the Meadowbrook. I heard about its history from my parents' generation, and I was fascinated. That love of the Big Band Era has continued ever since.
Carl Abrahamson
An all time favorite
brandyyellow
Great love it, Frank Dailey son Frank Dailey son use to tell me stories when we were operating restaurants, down south, what a great era of time. thanks for sharing this
Dr. Butte Fatman
Phenomenal
Dr. Butte Fatman
@Er Weez what?