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.
It's A Wonderful World
Count Basie Lyrics
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I'm just walking on air
Talk of heaven on earth
I've got more than my share
Haven't got a care
Happy all day through
It's a wonderful world
Loving wonderful you
The lyrics of Count Basie & Oscar Peterson's "It's A Wonderful World" talk about how the world is a fantastic place to be in and how it's even better now that the singer has a significant other who they love deeply. The chorus of the song, "It's a wonderful world, loving wonderful you" encapsulates the whole song's essence. The lyrics "I'm just walking on air" and "Happy all day through" are evidence of pure joy and happiness.
The singer implies that they have more than they could have ever wanted and count themselves grateful for all that they have. The lyrics, "Talk of heaven on earth" reflect how the singer views the world around them as well. The happiness in this song is contagious, and one can't help but feel uplifted after hearing it.
In conclusion, the song's lyrics spin a beautiful picture of how wonderful the world can be when we cherish the happiness that we have, and we have someone we love by our side. It celebrates the power of love, gratitude, and the beauty of life in general.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a wonderful world
The world is full of wonders and I am grateful to be alive and experiencing it.
I'm just walking on air
I am so happy that it feels like I am literally floating and weightless.
Talk of heaven on earth
People often use the phrase 'heaven on earth' to describe a perfect place, but I feel like I am actually living in that place right now.
I've got more than my share
I have been blessed with more than my fair portion of happiness and good fortune.
Haven't got a care
I am free from worry or stress and able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Happy all day through
My happiness is continuous and not just a fleeting emotion.
It's a wonderful world
The world is still full of wonder and I continue to appreciate everything around me, especially the person I love.
Loving wonderful you
My love for you is deep and sincere, and you make my already wonderful life even more beautiful.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harold Adamson, Jan Savitt, John Watson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind