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.
Chicago
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues in Chicago
Chicago, the town that *Mart Faye* could not shut down
On State Street, that great street
I just want to say
They do things that they don't do on Broadway, say
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man, he danced with his wife
In Chicago, my home town
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man, he danced with his wife
In Chicago
In Chicago
In Chicago
The song "Chicago" by Count Basie and Tony Bennett is a classic tune that celebrates the spirit of the city of Chicago. The lyrics are a testament to the liveliness and energy of this great Midwestern city. The beginning of the song sets the tone with the repeated phrase "Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town". The term "toddlin' town" is a reference to the fact that Chicago was a hub of activity and prosperity during the 1920s, a time when people lived life to the fullest despite the constraints of prohibition and other societal restrictions.
Line by Line Meaning
Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town
Chicago, the bustling and lively city
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around
I'll give you a tour of this vibrant city
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues in Chicago
You'll definitely forget your worries in this city
Chicago, the town that *Mart Faye* could not shut down
Chicago is such a lively city that not even *Mart Faye* could close it
On State Street, that great street
State Street, the well-known thoroughfare
I just want to say
I need to emphasize
They do things that they don't do on Broadway, say
Chicago has unique activities that are not found on Broadway
They have the time, the time of their life
People have an amazing time in Chicago
I saw a man, he danced with his wife
I witnessed a man dancing joyfully with his wife
In Chicago, my home town
Chicago is my beloved hometown
In Chicago
Again, Chicago is the place to be
In Chicago
One more time for emphasis - Chicago is amazing!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CTM Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Fred Fisher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind