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't Cry Baby
Count Basie Lyrics
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If I made you cry, I'm sorry,
Baby, don't be mad at me!
If I told a lie, forgive me,
Baby, don't be mad at me!
I know that I was wrong,
Won't you string along?
Give a broken heart a break!
I love only you, believe me,
Baby, please be glad at me,
Baby, don't be mad at me!
I know that I was wrong,
But I've paid for my mistake,
Won't you string along?
Give a broken heart a break!
I love only you, believe me,
Baby, please be glad at me,
Baby, don't be mad at me!
Baby, don't be mad at me!
In the song "Baby Don't Tell On Me," Count Basie & his Orchestra talk about the need for forgiveness and understanding in a romantic relationship. The lyrics revolve around a man who has made a mistake, causing his partner to be upset or hurt. The man in question acknowledges that he has done something wrong and is asking for forgiveness, stating that he loves only his partner and wants to make things right. He pleads with his partner not to be mad at him and to be glad that he is committed to their relationship.
The lyrics speak to a common experience in romantic relationships, in which trust is broken and reconciliation is needed. The song encourages forgiveness and understanding, acknowledging the complexity and challenges of human relationships. The music itself is a testament to the joy of classic swing, with its upbeat tempo and bright, joyful instrumentation.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, don't be mad at me!
Please don't be upset with me, my love.
If I made you cry, I'm sorry,
If I caused you to shed tears, I deeply apologize.
If I told a lie, forgive me,
If I spoke an untruth, please pardon me.
I know that I was wrong,
I acknowledge my mistake.
But I've paid for my mistake,
I have done something to make up for my error.
Won't you string along?
Would you please continue to be with me?
Give a broken heart a break!
Please be compassionate towards my broken heart.
I love only you, believe me,
I have love for you and nobody else, trust me.
Baby, please be glad at me,
My dear, please be happy with me.
Baby, don't be mad at me!
Please don't be angry with me, my love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID, FREEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind