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.
All My Loving
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tomorrow I'll miss you
Remember I'll always be true
And then while I'm away
I'll write home every day
And I'll send all my loving to you
I'll pretend that I'm kissing
And hope that my dreams will come true
And then while I'm away
I'll write home every day
And I'll send all my loving to you
All my loving, I will send to you
All my loving, darling I'll be true
Close your eyes and I'll kiss you
Tomorrow I'll miss you
Remember I'll always be true
And then while I'm away
I'll write home every day
And I'll send all my loving to you
All my loving, I will send to you
All my loving, darling I'll be true
All my loving, all my loving
Woo, all my loving, I will send to you
The song "All My Loving" by Count Basie contains romantic and sentimental lyrics about a lover who is planning to leave or has already left, but will still show his devotion through writing letters and sending love. The opening line "Close your eyes and I'll kiss you" sets the tone of the song, as the singer is trying to create an intimate connection before physical separation. The lyrics suggest that the singer wants their partner to remember their love and loyalty while apart, as demonstrated in the words, "Remember I'll always be true", which could be interpreted as a plea to stay faithful to each other.
The line "I'll pretend that I'm kissing the lips I am missing, and hope that my dreams will come true" illustrates the pain of being apart from your loved one and how writing letters and reminiscing about past experiences can be a form of coping mechanism. The repetition of the line "And then while I'm away, I'll write home every day and I'll send all my loving to you" emphasizes the singer's commitment to their partner and their desire to stay connected.
Overall, the song could be seen as a representation of long-distance relationships and how trust, love, and communication can sustain a relationship during challenging times.
Line by Line Meaning
Close your eyes and I'll kiss you
Let's share a moment where we connect.
Tomorrow I'll miss you
I am anticipating the moment when we'll be apart and I'll feel your absence.
Remember I'll always be true
You can count on me to be genuine and committed.
And then while I'm away
During the time that we are apart,
I'll write home every day
I'll put in time and effort to stay in touch and reach out to you.
And I'll send all my loving to you
I'll demonstrate my affection and care for you through words and actions.
I'll pretend that I'm kissing
I will visualize a moment where we are together in the future.
The lips I am missing
I will imagine feeling your presence and tactile sensation in my life.
And hope that my dreams will come true
I have aspirations for a future where we are together, and I want to believe that it will happen.
All my loving, I will send to you
I will pour my heart and soul into expressing my love for you.
All my loving, darling I'll be true
You can trust that I am committed and dedicated to our relationship.
Woo, all my loving, I will send to you
I am excited and passionate about expressing my love and devotion to you.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind