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.
Cheek to Cheek
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek
Heaven, I'm in heaven
And the cares that hung around me through the week
Seem to vanish like a gambler's lucky streak
When we're out together dancing (swinging) cheek to cheek
And reach the highest peak
But it doesn't thrill (boot) me half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek
Oh I love to go out fishing
In a river or a creek
But I don't enjoy it half as much
As dancing cheek to cheek
(Come on and) Dance with me
I want my arm(s) about you
That (Those) charm(s) about you
Will carry me through...
(Right up) To heaven, I'm in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
When we're out together dancing, out together dancing(swinging)
Out together dancing cheek to cheek
In the song "Cheek to Cheek," Count Basie sings about the pure joy and bliss that comes from dancing with his lover. The singer of the song is so happy that he is practically in heaven, and he is overwhelmed with the sensation of being in a state of euphoria. With the opening lines, "Heaven, I'm in heaven," he completes his observation with "And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak, and I seem to find the happiness I seek / When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek." The song expresses how the two are able to throw aside their anxieties and concerns when they're together, as well as the euphoria that comes from being in each other's presence.
The singer goes on to compare his love of dancing to other activities, which, although he enjoys them, do not give him as much joy as dancing with his partner. The lyrics further guarantee the golden age of swing and its impact on the world of music with the phrases "When we're out together dancing (swinging) cheek to cheek." Undeniably, Basie did more than most to help spread jazz's popularity during the Big Band Era. His music challenged assumptions about rhythm and brought new movement and energy to dance, epitomizing the difference between "swing" music and other forms of jazz. In many respects, "Cheek to Cheek" is an ode to the social benefits of swing music and how it aided in the breaking down of barriers between people and cultures, even if only for a brief moment in time.
Line by Line Meaning
Heaven, I'm in heaven
I am incredibly happy and content in this moment
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
I am overcome with emotion and my heartbeat reflects this
And I seem to find the happiness I seek
I have been searching for happiness and have finally found it
When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek
Dancing with you in this moment is what is bringing me such joy
And the cares that hung around me through the week
All of the negative feelings and worries that have plagued me throughout the week are now gone
Seem to vanish like a gambler's lucky streak
My problems disappear as if they are lucky streak of a gambler
Oh I love to climb a mountain
I enjoy physical challenges like mountain climbing
And reach the highest peak
I feel a sense of accomplishment in reaching the top of the mountain
But it doesn't thrill (boot) me half as much
However, it doesn't give me the same thrill as dancing with you
As dancing cheek to cheek
The happiness I feel when we're dancing is unparalleled
Oh I love to go out fishing
I also enjoy fishing and being out in nature
In a river or a creek
I'm happy spending time in bodies of water, whether it be a river or creek
But I don't enjoy it half as much
However, my love for fishing pales in comparison to my love for dancing with you
(Come on and) Dance with me
I am inviting you to join me in this moment of pure happiness
I want my arm(s) about you
I want to hold you close while we dance
That (Those) charm(s) about you
Your charm is part of what makes this moment so special
Will carry me through...
Your charm will help me continue to feel happy and content
(Right up) To heaven, I'm in heaven
My happiness is taking me to a heavenly state of mind
Out together dancing, out together dancing(swinging)
Our dance is a swinging, carefree moment of pure joy
Out together dancing cheek to cheek
Being so physically close while dancing with you is part of what makes this moment so special
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind