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.
Don
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll get along
Forget about me
Just be happy my love
Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way
Look out for yourself
That should be the rule
Give your heart and your love
To whomever you love
Darlin' don't be a fool
Why do we cling to this old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then don't worry 'bout me
Why should we cling to some old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then you don't worry 'bout me
The lyrics to "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" by Count Basie convey a message of acceptance and moving on from a past relationship. The song opens with the singer reassuring their former lover that they will be fine without them and encourages them to forget about them and find happiness. The singer suggests that it is best to end things amicably and still remain friends.
In the second verse, the singer advises their former lover to take care of themselves and not fall into the trap of giving their heart and love to someone who doesn't reciprocate those feelings. The song then questions why people hold onto past relationships that have faded away and suggests that if forgetting about the past is an option, then it is best to move on.
The lyrics to "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" emphasize the idea that time heals all wounds, and it is important to focus on personal growth and future happiness rather than holding onto past hurt. The song provides a gentle reminder to listeners to prioritize self-care and avoid getting attached to someone who doesn't value them.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't worry 'bout me
Don't concern yourself about me, I will be fine without you.
I'll get along
I will manage to go on with my life without you.
Forget about me
Do not keep thinking about me, let me go.
Just be happy my love
Find happiness and contentment, my dear, even if it is not with me.
Let's say that our little show is over
We have come to the end of our time together.
And so the story ends
Our tale has come to a close, and that is alright.
Why not call it a day the sensible way
It would be best to end things calmly and without harsh emotions.
And still be friends
Even though we are parting, we can still hold respect and kindness towards each other.
Look out for yourself
Prioritize your own well-being and happiness.
That should be the rule
One ought to make taking care of their own needs and desires a priority.
Give your heart and your love
Offer your genuine affection and care.
To whomever you love
To the person you love, regardless of who that may be.
Darlin' don't be a fool
Do not make a foolish decision, choose wisely whom you give your love to.
Why do we cling to this old faded thing
Why do we hang onto a worn-out and tired relationship.
That used to be
That no longer holds the same joy and passion it once did.
So if you can forget
If you are able to let go and move forward.
Then don't worry 'bout me
Then you need not concern yourself about my well-being, I will be alright.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rube Bloom, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Nemzek
What an awesome performance!
Mr G
That Basie Sound is the Right Touch for Tony Bennett IMO
Nathan Culp
He and Joe Williams were the best male singers for the Count after Jimmy Rushing his original singer
richard gornalle
This is a great "old" song sung by one of the best.
Jenise Reedus
Love this band and Maestro Bennett, R.I.P. SIR!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
tj921able
This was excellent! What a great pairing of musicians as well! Thank you for sharing this, God Bless You & stay safe.
MsMsmak
What a trip. The guy really had some pipes!
Glenn Schlegel
Tony lived every lyric, every note. He took the audience on a journey that we never wanted to end. RIP Mr. Bennett.
Robert Romeo
Tony Bennett and the Ed Sullivan Show. Tony was one of many singer legends that appeared on the show.
Ch W D
My grandmother was a huge Tony Bennett fan even in his early career back in the 1950s. She had a good sounding HiFi (no stereo back then) and when I'd visit her in Detroit, I'd listen to her records, and I, too, became a fan of his music, especially of those tunes he did with a Big Band.