As a pianist, he had a distinctive and influential style (the song title "Splanky" is an onomatopoetic reference to the sound of his playing), equally at home in the barrelhouse and the concert hall. Willie "The Lion" Smith, James P. Johnson, and Fats Waller were among his influences.
As a bandleader, he created an organization (built upon the remains of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra) that was a favorite both of dancers and of vocalists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and, of course, Billie Holiday. Equally important, it kept many musicians employed through lean years. Many jazz musicians of note built their chops and earned their bread and butter in Basie's organization.
In addition to Basie, the swinging "All American Rhythm Section" of his orchestra included greats such as Walter Page (bass), Jo Jones (drums), and Freddie Green (guitar). It was the greatest, most swinging rhythm sections in the history of jazz. Chief among its vocalists were, first, Jimmy Rushing and, later, Joe Williams. Over the years it boasted sidemen and soloists like Herschel Evans (tenor sax), Lester Young (tenor sax), Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor sax), Buddy Tate (tenor sax), Illinois Jacquet (tenor sax), Earle Warren (alto sax), Jack Washington (alto & baritone sax), Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet), Buck Clayton (trumpet), Thad Jones (trumpet), Snooky Young (trumpet), Benny Morton (trombone), Benny Powell (trombone), and Dicky Wells (trombone).
Basie also collaborated with artists such as Zoot Sims and Oscar Peterson, and recorded with ensembles large and small, including the Count Basie Trio, the Count Basie Sextet, and the Kansas City Seven. Notable arrangers included Eddie Durham (who helped shape the Basie Orchestra's sound) and Neal Hefti.
'S Wonderful
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you thrill me through with a tender passion
When you said you care, imagine my emotion
I swore then and there, permanent devotion
You made all other men seem blah
Just you alone filled me with, ahh
'S wonderful, 's marvelous
'S awful nice, 's paradise
'S what I love to see
You've made my life so glamorous
You can't blame me for feeling amorous
Oh, 's wonderful, 's marvelous
That you should care for me!
'S magnificque, 's what I seek
You should care for me
'S elegant, 's what I want
'S what I love to see
My dear, it's four-leaved-clover time
From now on my heart's working overtime
'S exceptional, 's no bagatelle
That you should care for
That you should care for
That you should care for me
The lyrics of Count Basie's "S Wonderful" express the overwhelming feeling of falling in love with someone who is not only wonderful and marvelous but can also make life feel glamorous and extraordinary. In the first stanza, Basie praises his partner for filling him with a tender passion that makes his emotions so strong that he promises her permanent devotion. He goes on to describe how she stands out from all other men, adding that just her presence alone makes him feel special. Basie believes that her caring nature towards him is marvelous and wonderful, showing his utter amazement at the depth of her love.
In the second stanza, Basie continues to describe how amazing his partner is, using words like 'magnifique', 'elegant' and 'exceptional' to showcase how unique she is to him. He also mentions how his heart is working overtime now that she is in his life, indicating that this love is intense and unstoppable. Throughout the song, Basie expresses his love for his partner in a poetic and stylish manner, creating a romantic and passionate atmosphere. The lyrics combine with the upbeat tune to create a song that is joyful and romantic, making it an essential part of the Great American Songbook.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't mind telling you in my humble fashion
I may not be the most impressive person, but I want to express how I feel
That you thrill me through with a tender passion
You excite me deeply and fill me with love
When you said you care, imagine my emotion
I was overwhelmed with joy when you told me you care for me
I swore then and there, permanent devotion
I made a vow to love and cherish you forever
You made all other men seem blah
You stand out from all other men and are truly special to me
Just you alone filled me with, ahh
Only you can make me feel complete and fulfilled
'S wonderful, 's marvelous
It's amazing and fantastic
You should care for me
It would mean a lot to me if you also had feelings for me
'S awful nice, 's paradise
It's extremely lovely and heavenly
'S what I love to see
This is exactly what I want in my life
You've made my life so glamorous
You have brought so much joy and beauty into my life
You can't blame me for feeling amorous
I can't help but feel passionate and affectionate towards you
Oh, 's wonderful, 's marvelous
Oh, it's truly amazing and wonderful
That you should care for me!
I am so grateful and happy that you care for me
'S magnificque, 's what I seek
It's magnificent and exactly what I want
You should care for me
It would mean everything to me if you had feelings for me
'S elegant, 's what I want
It's refined and exactly what I desire
'S what I love to see
This brings me so much happiness and joy
My dear, it's four-leaved-clover time
This is a special and lucky moment for us
From now on my heart's working overtime
My heart is overflowing with love and passion for you
'S exceptional, 's no bagatelle
It's truly extraordinary and not just a trivial matter
That you should care for
I am blessed that you care for me
That you should care for me
It is amazing and wonderful that you care for me
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anthony Peters
wonderful, marvellous performance, band & voice!
Shai Buzaglo
great song! thanks for sharing!
Emmanuel Lewis
Popular music needs a Renaissance!! Oh how I long...