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.
Clap Hands! Here Comes Charley!
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clap hands, good time Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
This way, join the party
I say, meet McCarty
Hey, hey, Charlie take a bow
Grab a chair, move over there
And let him sit right next to Mabel
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, good time Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, good time Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
This way, meet The Dollies
I say, Zeigfield Follies
Hey Charlie, take a bow
See the smile on all those hungry faces
They can tell that he's a buyer
From those wide and open spaces
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, good time Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
See the smile on all those hungry faces
They can tell that he's a buyer
From those wide and open spaces
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie, oh boy, yeah
Ginger ale and white rock for his table
Grab a chair, move over there
And let him wait
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, good time Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
This way, join the party
I say, meet McCarty
Hey, hey, Charlie take a bow
See the smile on all those hungry faces
They can tell that he's a buyer
From those wide and open spaces
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
He's a big man with the ladies
And sail her with his doubt
When he starts to wail and holler, 'Go man go'
Oh boy, there was Charlie
What joy, swingin' Charlie
Clap hands, there goes Charlie now
The lyrics of "Clap Hands Here Comes Charlie" by Count Basie are about a man named Charlie who is depicted as a jovial and charismatic partygoer, always ready to join in the fun. The song begins with the repetition of the phrase "Clap hands, here comes Charlie," which serves to announce his arrival and to encourage everyone to welcome him. Charlie is portrayed as someone who knows how to have a good time and is always up for a party. The lyrics go on to describe Charlie's experience at the party, where he is seated at a table with ginger ale and white rock, and is introduced to various guests, including The Dollies and Zeigfield Follies.
The lyrics also suggest that Charlie is a wealthy man, most likely from "wide and open spaces," who is known for his generosity and willingness to buy drinks for others. The song ends on a high note, with the band playing a swinging tune as Charlie dances and hollers. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of excitement and celebration, with Charlie being the life of the party.
Line by Line Meaning
Clap hands, here comes Charlie
Let's give a warm welcome to Charlie
Clap hands, good time Charlie
Charlie knows how to party and have fun
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
Charlie has arrived and we're excited
This way, join the party
Come and celebrate with us
I say, meet McCarty
Let me introduce you to some new friends
Hey, hey, Charlie take a bow
Charlie deserves recognition and applause
Ginger ale and white rock for his table
Charlie is being served refreshments
Grab a chair, move over there
Make some room for others to join in
And let him sit right next to Mabel
Charlie can enjoy the company of Mabel
This way, meet The Dollies
Come and say hi to The Dollies
I say, Zeigfield Follies
Introducing The Dollies from the Ziegfeld Follies
See the smile on all those hungry faces
Everyone is eager to see Charlie
They can tell that he's a buyer
People can sense that Charlie is successful
From those wide and open spaces
Charlie comes from far away
Clap hands, here comes Charlie now
Let's celebrate Charlie's presence once again
He's a big man with the ladies
Charlie is popular with women
And sail her with his doubt
He's very confident and charming with women
When he starts to wail and holler, 'Go man go'
Charlie can really let loose and have a good time
Oh boy, there was Charlie
Charlie is someone to get excited about
What joy, swingin' Charlie
Charlie brings happiness and good vibes
Clap hands, there goes Charlie now
Let's give Charlie a round of applause as he leaves
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ballard MacDonald, Billy Rose, Joseph Meyer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lesterwyoung
One of Lester's own favourite recordings. He described it as "A spark in my heart."
@lastknowngood0
The awesome Pres star of the Basie Band! Outstanding rhythm section needless to say! Blue Devils Vets!
@rscottenglish
Lester is swingin'!