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.
With Plenty of Money and You
Count Basie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With plenty of money and you.
In spite of the worry that money brings.
Just a little filthy looker buys a lot of things.
And I could take you to places that you would like to go.
But outside of that, I've no use for dough.
It's the root of all evil,
But I'm certain, honey, that life would be sunny
With plenty of money and you.
It's the root of all evil,
Of strife and upheaval.
But I'm certain, honey, that life would be sunny
With plenty of money and you
The song "With Plenty of Money and You" by Count Basie and Tony Bennett is a classic jazz tune that speaks to the power of money and love. The lyrics express the idea that life would be much easier and more enjoyable with wealth, but ultimately the most important thing is the love and companionship of another person.
The first lines of the song set the tone: "Well, baby, what I couldn't do with plenty of money and you." The singer is addressing a lover, and implying that with money and love, they could achieve anything. The second line is particularly interesting because it acknowledges the worry and stress that money can bring, but suggests that the benefits outweigh the negatives. The line "Just a little filthy looker buys a lot of things" is a playful reference to how much can be bought with money.
Later in the song, the lyrics address the idea that money is the root of all evil, and can cause strife and upheaval. While this is a common saying, the singer still believes that life would be "sunny" with money and love. This speaks to the human desire for financial security and the happiness that can come from being with someone who loves you.
Overall, "With Plenty of Money and You" is a lighthearted song that explores the relationship between money and love. It suggests that while money can bring stress and hardship, it can also make life easier and more enjoyable when combined with the love of another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, baby, what I couldn't do
The singer is expressing the potential they could achieve with the combination of wealth and the person they are addressing.
With plenty of money and you.
Money and the person they are addressing are the two things that would make the singer's aspirations possible.
In spite of the worry that money brings.
Although money can cause anxiety, the singer is willing to tolerate it for the sake of achieving their goals.
Just a little filthy looker buys a lot of things.
Even a small sum of money can buy many possessions or experiences.
And I could take you to places that you would like to go.
The artist would be able to bring the person they are addressing to destinations they desire if they had wealth.
But outside of that, I've no use for dough.
Aside from its ability to provide experiences and possessions, the singer has no interest in money.
It's the root of all evil,
The singer believes that money is the cause of many problems and conflicts in society.
Of strife and upheaval.
Money can lead to disagreements and instability.
But I'm certain, honey, that life would be sunny
Despite the negative aspects of money, the artist is optimistic that having wealth would bring happiness.
With plenty of money and you.
Once again, the combination of money and the person they are addressing is seen as the key to a fulfilling life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Al Dubin, Harry Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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In that order.