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.
Come Rain or Come Shine
Count Basie Lyrics
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Come rain or come shine
High as a mountain, deep as a river
Come rain or come shine
I guess when you met me
It was just one of those things
But don't you ever bet me
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me
Come rain or come shine
We'll be happy together, unhappy together
Now, won't that be just fine?
The days may be cloudy or sunny
We're in or out of the money
But I'm with you always
I'm with you rain or shine
In Count Basie Joe Williams's song, "Come Rain or Come Shine," the singer expresses his unwavering love for his partner. He promises to love her through thick and thin, in good times and in bad. The lyrics "I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you, come rain or come shine" exemplify this unconditional love. He compares his love to a mountain and a river, signifying its strength and depth.
The singer goes on to say that although their meeting may have been spontaneous, his love for her is genuine and steadfast. He assures her that he will always be true if she lets him. The lyrics "You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me, come rain or come shine, we'll be happy together, unhappy together, now, won't that be just fine?" show that he expects the same kind of love in return. He understands that life is unpredictable, but no matter what comes their way, he will be by her side, as he sings "I'm with you always, I'm with you rain or shine."
Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of a love that endures all hardships. The lyrics are both heartfelt and romantic, and the melody adds to the song's tender and emotional quality.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you
I will love you with a depth and sincerity unlike anyone else
Come rain or come shine
No matter the circumstances, my love for you will remain
High as a mountain, deep as a river
My love for you is vast and profound
I guess when you met me
Perhaps when we first met, it was simply a coincidence
It was just one of those things
Our encounter may have been serendipitous
But don't you ever bet me
But do not doubt my commitment to you
'Cause I'm gonna be true if you let me
I promise to remain loyal if you give me the chance
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me
I have faith that you will also love me with great intensity
We'll be happy together, unhappy together
Our love will endure both good times and bad
Now, won't that be just fine?
Isn't that a wonderful prospect?
The days may be cloudy or sunny
Life may have its ups and downs
We're in or out of the money
We may have financial woes or wealth
But I'm with you always
Regardless, I will always be by your side
I'm with you rain or shine
I will remain devoted to you through thick and thin
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., S.A. MUSIC
Written by: HAROLD ARLEN, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind