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.
Lil Darling
Count Basie Lyrics
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Don't need more cash than banks can hold
When I get to feelin', a feelin'
For something there ain't too much of
My sweet lil' darlin' gives me her love
Don't catch me chasin' 'round at night
I'm not impressed by glamor sights
As some other gals you can see
But my lil darlin' only loves me
The lyrics to "Li'l Darlin'" express the singer's contentment with a simple, unglamorous life, as long as he has the love of his "sweet li'l darlin'." They suggest a rejection of materialistic values and a prioritization of emotional satisfaction. The first verse explicitly rejects the idea of needing a luxurious living situation or excessive wealth. The second verse rejects the idea of chasing after superficial attractions, highlighting the fact that the singer's love interest may not be conventionally beautiful, but her love is all he needs.
The affectionate tone of the lyrics is conveyed through the repeated use of the endearment "li'l darlin'" and the emphasis on the importance of love above all else. The simplicity of the language used in the song adds to its emotional impact, emphasizing the idea that true happiness can be found in the most basic human connections.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't need no palace paved with gold
I don't require an opulent residence.
Don't need more cash than banks can hold
I don't need an exorbitant amount of money.
When I get to feelin', a feelin'
When I experience a particular emotion.
For something there ain't too much of
For something that is scarce.
My sweet lil' darlin' gives me her love
My beloved partner gives me her affection.
Don't catch me chasin' 'round at night
I don't spend my evenings recklessly wandering.
I'm not impressed by glamor sights
I am not enamored by ostentatious displays.
Lil' darlin' may not be as pretty
My partner may not be conventionally attractive.
As some other gals you can see
As compared to other women.
But my lil darlin' only loves me
But my partner is devoted to me.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NEAL HEFTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind