Born in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she attended George Westinghouse High School and studied music at the Filion School of Music in Pittsburgh. Later she performed regularly in the Hill District, a jazz hotspot, as a vocalist with the Joe Westray Orchestra, a popular Pittsburgh orchestra. She next spent several years in the nightclub circuit in such cities as Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland and St. Louis. While in New York, she was noticed singing at a Harlem nightclub called the Baby Grand by Dave Cavanaugh, a producer for Capitol Records. She was signed and released several singles, her success leading her to win Down Beat magazine's "Most Promising Newcomer" award in 1955. In 1958, Staton wed Talib Dawud, a black Antigua-born Ahmadi Muslim trumpeter and noted critic of Elijah Muhammad. She subsequently converted to Islam and used the name Aliyah Rabia for some time. The marriage ultimately ended in divorce.
She released several critically acclaimed albums in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including: The Late, Late Show (1957), whose title track was her biggest hit, In the Night (1957), a collaboration with pianist George Shearing, Dynamic! (1958) and Dakota at Storyville (1961), a live album recorded at the Storyville jazz club in Boston. In the mid-1960s Staton moved to England, where she recorded the album Dakota ′67. Returning to the US in the early 1970s, she continued to record semi-regularly, her recordings taking an increasingly strong gospel and blues influence. She suffered a stroke in 1999, after which her health deteriorated. Staton died in New York City aged 76 in 2007.
music
Dakota Staton Lyrics
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The lyrics to Dakota Staton's song "I Hear Music" convey the power of music and how it can transform one's perspective, even in times of hardship. The opening lines, "I hear music mighty fine music," suggest the singer is just waking up and already hears music in the sounds of the morning. The lyrics go on to mention other everyday sounds that can be appreciated as music, such as the rattle of the milkman on the stair and the sing of the sparrow in the sky.
The song also highlights the idea that music can be a source of comfort and a way to escape from a troubling world. The line "and any time i think my world is wrong," implies that the singer may feel overwhelmed or troubled at times, but the sound of music is enough to lift their mood. The final line, "I get out of bed and sing this song," reinforces the idea that music can be a powerful tool for positivity and motivation.
Overall, "I Hear Music" celebrates the beauty of music and its ability to uplift and inspire even during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
i hear music mighty fine music
I am able to hear a pleasing and high-quality music
the murmur of the morning breeze up there
The gentle, low sound of the wind breeze up in the sky
the rattle of the milkman on the stair sure that's music
Even the rattling sound of the milkman on the stairs can be called music
the sing of the sparrow in the sky
The chirping sound of the sparrow heard from the sky above
the perking of the coffee right near by
The bubbling and steaming sound of coffee brewing nearby
there's my favorite melody
Here is the tune that I enjoy the most
you my angle phoning me
You, my angel, calling me on the phone
i hear music mighty fine music
I can still hear delightful and high-quality music
and any time i think my world is wrong
Whenever I feel like my world is not right
i get out of bed and sing this song
I get out of bed and start singing this particular song
Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, TOBAGO MUSIC COMPANY, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Walter Donaldson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jerome Dilligard
AWESOME artist My father used to play this album for his Club meetings.Then as a DJ I played it at alot of weddings during Cocktail hour. My family surprised my Dad and took him to see her perform in Manhattan..UNBELIEVABLE Talent..
Mike Winter
One of the most underrated jazz singers ever. This album is all time. Saw her in person in a little bar on forty-somethin off 6th in Manhattan. Fabulous.
Ellen Martin
I believe that was at Danny's. I would always go to those shows. The late great Burt Eckoff was her pianist then.He passed away earlier this year. As a singer, Burt and I had collaborated over a span of 32 years. He and Dakota were amazing!!!!!! "Burt Eckoff: A Pianist's Close Encounters With Jazz Greats! "An interview in All About Jazz online, Burt mentions his time he worked with Dakota. Extraordinary!!!!!
Thomas Murphy
envyenvyenvy. I have been mad about this woman her talent since I was 76 years. old. Miserably underrated! This album is a treasure. When I want to sing along and feel just great, I turn this on...like I did tonight!
mcorby53
Wow, I am 57 years old and just learned of her by chance when I saw her Late Late Show album in a thrift shop and was entranced by the picture; decided to take a chance (at 48 cents--not much risk) . Took it home and listened to it 5 times straight. I'm hooked. How in the world could I have never heard of her? Just ordered an album off ebay
Gary Elter
Mom introduced me to her in the 70's Her voice was a unique one of a kind.
Old-school Daze
My father had this album. As a kid I didn't get her sound. However, now I recognize the innocent joy in Dakota 's voice.
trumpsahead
I bought this album when it first came out. Dakota knocked me out. The spirit in that voice is so enthusiastic and honest. I thought I discovered a great talent but was disappointed then angry when I understood I would not hear much from Dakota because the media was pushing Sarah Vaughn over her. I always felt it was a deliberate move and such a shame. Her voice and style is sublime and though she sang for many years, she wasn't in the mainstream but for a very very short period. RIP.
Edie Anderson
I agree with your sentiment...in reality, there is enough room for everybody!
Jimi Hendrix-san
I honestly heard this on the radio only a few days ago and was taken aback by the energy in her voice. It feels genuine which is why I'm here now to be honest.