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.
I Cried for You
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
You forgot your promises, every single vow
All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
How can I forget the hours that I worried through
Wondering the live long day just what next thing to do?
In those days you never thought anything of me
But the slave that was all yours and now at last is free
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
Every road has a turning
That's one thing you're learning
I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
In Count Basie's song "I Cried for You," the lyrics describe a person's realization that they were foolishly devoted to someone who did not reciprocate the same level of commitment. In the past, the person wept and lost sleep over the things the other said and did not keep their promises, but now they have found someone better. The lyrics allude to the phrase "what goes around comes around" by saying "now it's your turn to cry over me" and "every road has a turning, that's one thing you're learning." The person has moved on and found someone who treats them better, and they now understand the worth of their own happiness.
The lyrics of this song are relatable for anyone who has experienced unrequited love or being hurt in a relationship. The message is that time heals wounds and that one can find someone who is a better match. The song's melody is a slow and relaxed jazz tune accompanied by Basie's skilled piano playing, which adds to the emotional depth of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember other days how I used to weep
I recall the times I cried when you mistreated me
Over things you said to me; I couldn't even sleep
Your words caused me so much distress that I couldn't even rest
You forgot your promises, every single vow
You neglected your commitments to me, disregarding every oath
All you did was laugh at me, but things are different now
Previously, you belittled me, but now the roles are reversed, and you are the one experiencing the same pain
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
I shed tears for you in the past, and now it's your time to experience the same heartache that I did
Every road has a turning
The path of life is full of twists and turns
That's one thing you're learning
You are coming to understand that life is unpredictable and that fortunes can change
I cried for you; what a fool I used to be
I lamented your mistreatment of me, foolishly thinking that things would improve
Now I found two eyes just a little bit bluer
I have discovered someone whose eyes are even more captivating than yours
I found a heart just a little bit truer
I have met someone whose heart is more genuine and sincere than yours ever was
I cried for you; now it's your turn to cry over me
I suffered emotionally for you, and now it's your turn to go through the same ordeal due to your callous behavior towards me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gus Arnheim, Arthur Freed, Abe Lyman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@direfranchement
My didn't she have a beautiful smile? Her clear enjoyment of singing is infectious!
@jimbrown1559
What a delight! This was Basie's fine small band of the early '50s. Personnel varied a bit, but I recognize clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, guitarist Freddie Green, and, of course Wardell Gray, who has the fine Prez-influenced tenor solo. In the mid-70s, Helen Humes followed Billie Holiday in the Basie band in the late '30s when Bille left to do her own thing. I got to work with Helen in a Chicago jazz club where I was running the sound system. She was just as delightful then as in this recording -- a warm, friendly, unpretentious lady. It's wonderful to see and hear her here when she was much younger.
@delilahdavis1219
+Jim Brown Thank you so much for the information of who is playing in this clip.
@NEONSO
Even when I'm not watching the video, I can hear her smiling through the song. Thanks for sharing your memory Jim. Brings life to these black and white videos.
@mahdo1
Jim Brown Seriously! How lucky can you be?! This is MUSIC!
@clarinetowner
That’s Gus Johnson on drums and Jimmy Lewis on bass, Clark Terry on trumpet.
@chichilala99
Ah, get it Helen! I certainly miss her - dear friend and dulcet singer with a touch of real bad girl in her....oh, could she make me smile! Thank you for posting.
@roberttau9558
Like John Hammond said:"the future of jazz is Count Basie!"
@geraldjohnson848
June 23rd: Happy birthday Jazz-Blues singer Helen Humes (1913-1981) Thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the upload, Bob Hardy. Blessings
@interestedbystander8779
I had to great fortune to see Basie and his band with Tony Bennet in 1981, about the time Helen passed. What a great voice she had.