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.
When I Fall In Love
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or I'll never fall in love
In a restless world like this is
Love is ended before it's begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
When I give my heart it will be completely
Or I'll never, never give my heart
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you
The lyrics to Count Basie's song "When I Fall In Love" revolve around a sense of uncertainty and protection when it comes to love. The opening line "When I fall in love it will be forever, or I'll never fall in love" sets the tone for the entire song. This line clearly indicates that the persona is someone who is looking for his one true love and is careful when it comes to who he gives his heart to. This line suggests that the persona desires to be committed to the person he falls in love with forever, and there is no alternative.
The verses that follow describe the singer's doubts and fears when it comes to love. The persona is keenly aware of how temporary love can be, especially in the world we live in today. He has seen love end before it even begins, and many moonlight kisses seem to cool in the warmth of the sun. This line illustrates how fleeting and fragile love can be, and that it can be easily lost just like that.
However, the song does have a silver lining. The final verse states that when he gives his heart, it will be completely, and he will fall in love when he feels that the person he has given his heart to is reciprocating his feelings. The lyrics suggest that there is hope for love, and there is a possibility of finding that special someone.
Line by Line Meaning
When I fall in love it will be forever
If I find myself falling in love with someone, it will be a love that lasts forever.
Or I'll never fall in love
If I cannot find a love that will last forever, I will never fall in love.
In a restless world like this is
In a world where everything is constantly changing.
Love is ended before it's begun
Many times, love does not have a chance to start because the world is too fast-paced.
And too many moonlight kisses
When people are just trying to have a good time.
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
The things that seem important at night quickly lose their significance in the harsh light of day.
When I give my heart it will be completely
If I choose to give someone my heart, I will give it without reservation.
Or I'll never, never give my heart
If I cannot give my heart completely, I will never give it at all.
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Only when I sense that someone else shares my intense feelings.
Is when I fall in love with you
That is when I know that I am truly in love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Heyman, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind