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.
Jeepers Creepers
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jee-pers, cree-pers, where'd ya get those eyes?
Gosh all, git up, how'd they get so lit up?
Gosh all, git up, how's they get that size?
Golle gee! When you turn those heat-ers on
Woe is me, got to put my cheat-ers on.
Jee-pers, cree-pers, where'd ya get those pee-pers?
Oh, those wee-pers, how they hyp-no-tize!
Where'd ya get those eyes?
The lyrics of Count Basie and Tony Bennett's song Jeepers Creepers are a lighthearted ode to the captivating power of a person's eyes. The opening lines – "Jee-pers, cree-pers, where'd get those pee-pers? Jee-pers, cree-pers, where'd ya get those eyes?" – express a sense of wonder and amazement at how the eyes of an individual can be so striking and enchanting. There is an almost childlike sense of curiosity that imbues the lyrics as the singer marvels at the "size" and "brightness" of these eyes.
The second stanza – "Gosh all, git up, how'd they get so lit up? Gosh all, git up, how's they get that size?" – reinforces the idea that these eyes are almost supernatural in their appeal. The language here is playful and whimsical, with the use of "gosh all" and "git up" adding to the overall sense of fun. The chorus takes on a more romantic tone as the singer expresses their admiration for the eyes, stating – "Oh, those wee-pers, how they hyp-no-tize! Where'd ya get those eyes?" The final lines of the song really drive home the idea that the person's eyes are a powerful force, with the singer exclaiming "Golle gee! When you turn those heat-ers on, Woe is me, got to put my cheat-ers on." The use of "heat-ers" and "cheat-ers" here adds to the lighthearted, playful feel of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Jee-pers, cree-pers, where'd get those pee-pers?
Wow, those are impressive peepers you have, may I ask where you got them from?
Jee-pers, cree-pers, where'd ya get those eyes?
Your eyes are so captivating! May I know the source of their beauty, please?
Gosh all, git up, how'd they get so lit up?
Oh my god, your eyes are so bright and lit up! What's the secret behind their glow?
Gosh all, git up, how's they get that size?
Your eyes are so big, how did they get to be that size? They are truly wonderful!
Golle gee! When you turn those heat-ers on
Gosh, your eyes really dazzle when you turn up the heat and show off your looks
Woe is me, got to put my cheat-ers on.
Oh my goodness, your eyes are too much for me to handle! I need to put on my glasses to take them all in!
Jee-pers, cree-pers, where'd ya get those pee-pers?
Those eyes of yours are like magic! I'm so curious to know where they came from!
Oh, those wee-pers, how they hyp-no-tize!
Your eyes are so enchanting, they have a hypnotic effect on me!
Where'd ya get those eyes?
I can't get over how stunning your eyes are! I have to know where they came from!
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Harry Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bobsilver3983
This makes me smile!
@drstevie
FAB LP , FAB tune !
@michigan1777
frickin amazing song
@hilltopviewer8204
Yes,the tone of his voice is in my opinion much more laid back and smooth than the Rat Pack,I had to go and by this album on vinyl,great tunes on the album and Count Basie swinging with the band.I also love Chicago and Anything Goes,its the way Tony adds his own stance on a song that makes it cool.Good to see Tony in Dublin,Ireland a few years ago.I was amazed to see him place the microphone on the piano and just sing out,the pure power of his voice just moved the audience.Thanks for your upload!
@ishopmyface
i can't listen to this song without imagining me inside an elevator
@Syexia22
Me too
@DANIELSILVA-xj1ye
"Every 23 springs, for 23 days, he needs to eat."
@metal_la_morra_robot
Why i hear boss music (•-•)