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.
Shake Rattle and Roll
Count Basie Lyrics
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Get out from that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans
Well, roll my breakfast 'cause I'm a hungry man
[Chorus]
I said shake, rattle and roll
I said shake, rattle and roll
I said shake, rattle and roll
Well, you never do nothin' to save your doggone soul
Wearin' those dresses, your hair done up so nice
Wearin' those dresses, your hair done up so nice
You look so warm, but your heart is cold as ice
[Chorus]
I'm like a one-eyed cat, peepin' in a sea-food store
I'm like a one-eyed cat, peepin' in a sea-food store
I can look at you, tell you don't love me no more
I believe you're doin' me wrong and now I know
I believe you're doin' me wrong and now I know
The more I work, the faster my money goes
[Chorus]
Shake, rattle and roll
is a classic blues and rock and roll song that was popularized by Big Joe Turner in 1954 and later covered by numerous artists, including Count Basie. The song is about a man who is hungry and wants his breakfast cooked for him. He exclaims, "Get out from that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans," emphasizing the urgency of his hunger. The chorus of the song, "Shake, rattle and roll" describes the man's desire for movement and activity. He is frustrated that the woman he loves is not doing anything to save her soul and does not reciprocate his feelings. The man compares himself to a one-eyed cat peeping in a seafood store, implying that he is a helpless and undesirable observer. He believes that his lover is no longer in love with him, and that he is being wronged, yet the more he works, the more his money disappears.
One interesting fact about this song is that it was originally written by Jesse Stone, who was best known for his work as a producer for Atlantic Records. The song was recorded by Big Joe Turner and His Band in 1954, and it became a #1 hit on the R&B charts. Count Basie's version of the song was released in 1964, ten years after the original, and it climbed to #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Another interesting fact is that the phrase "shake, rattle, and roll" was used as slang for having sex in the early days of rock and roll.
Shake, Rattle and Roll is also notable for its use of a boogie-woogie rhythm, which was popular in the 1940s and 50s. The song features a piano solo by Count Basie, who was known for his prowess on the keys. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bill Haley and the Comets, who had a hit with their version in 1954. The lyrics to the song have been adapted and modified in subsequent versions, with some artists adding their own verses or changing the gender of the singer.
Chords: The chords for Shake Rattle and Roll are F7, Bb7, F7, Bb7, F7, C7, F7.
Line by Line Meaning
Get out from that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans
Stop cooking and start making some noise
Well, roll my breakfast 'cause I'm a hungry man
Make my breakfast quickly because I am very hungry
I said shake, rattle and roll
I want you to dance for me
Well, you never do nothin' to save your doggone soul
You do not do anything to improve your life
Wearin' those dresses, your hair done up so nice
You look beautiful and put together
You look so warm, but your heart is cold as ice
You appear friendly but you are actually unfeeling
I'm like a one-eyed cat, peepin' in a sea-food store
I feel like an outsider and someone who is not wanted
I can look at you, tell you don't love me no more
I can sense that you do not have feelings for me anymore
I believe you're doin' me wrong and now I know
I think you are treating me unfairly and now I understand
The more I work, the faster my money goes
I am working hard but not seeing enough financial gain
Shake, rattle and roll
Dance with energy and enthusiasm
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Calhoun
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind