Dianne came from a very musical family. Her father, who died when she was two years old, was also a singer. Her mother, Vada Swanson, played trumpet. A cousin, George Duke is a well known piano and keyboard player and producer.
Dianne and her sister Sharon were raised by their grandmother in Denver, Colorado. As a child Dianne took piano lessons and sang at every opportunity. When she was 11 years old her interest in music was enhanced by an inspiring teacher who thought that music was the best way to bring students together. Dianne discovered a love of music and that she wanted to be a singer.
Her uncle, Charles Burell, a bass player with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, introduced her to the music of jazz singers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday. She was especially impressed by Sarah Vaughan.
1974
At the age of sixteen she was singing at the George Washington Highschool in Denver, in a highschool bigband. That same year the band played at a music festival (Convention of the National Association of Jazz Educators). Her Band won first place and it was there she met the trumpeter Clark Terry, who after discovering her became her mentor.
1975
A year later she began studying music at the University of Denver, before she moving in 1976 to Los Angeles. In L.A. her interest in Latin-American music grew, and she began experimenting with different kinds of vocal music and finally decided to pursue a career as a singer. She met Eduardo del Barrio, and she toured with his group "Caldera" and sang in Billy Child's jazz band "Night Flights". Later she tour with Sergio Mendes.
From 1983 until 1986 she toured with Harry Belafonte as a lead singer. This period saw her first experiences with world music. In 1987 she became the first vocalist to sign with Blue Note records. She moved back to Denver from Los Angeles in 1992. She sang at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
[edit]
Grammy Awards
She has currently won 3 Grammy Awards for "Best Jazz Vocal Performance" for her albums
2001 In the Moment
2002 The Calling
2003 A Little Moonlight
2006 Good Night, And Good Luck (Soundtrack)
She is the only singer to have won this Grammy in three consecutive years.
[edit]
Discography
1977 - Welcome to My Love
1987 - Better Days
1988 - I Remember
1990 - Never Too Far
1991 - Dianne Reeves (same as Better Days)
1993 - Art & Survival
1994 - Quiet After the Storm
1996 - The Grand Encounter
1996 - Palo Alto Sessions
1997 - That Day
1997 - New Morning (live)
1999 - Bridges... produced by George Duke.
2000 - In The Moment (live)
2001 - The Calling: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan
2002 - Best of Dianne Reeves
2003 - A Little Moonlight
2004 - Christmas Time is Here
2005 - Good Night, And Good Luck (Soundtrack)
Straighten Up And Fly Right
Dianne Reeves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The monkey thought that everything was on the square
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
But the monkey grabbed his neck and said: Now listen, Jack
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and fly right
Ain't no use in divin'
What's the use in jivin'
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
The buzzard told the monkey "You're chokin' me
Release your hold and I'll set you free"
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said
Your story's touching but it sounds like a lie
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
Straighten up and fly right
Straighten up and stay right
Straighten up and fly right
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
The song "Straighten Up and Fly Right" by Dianne Reeves is a jazz classic originally recorded in 1943 by Nat King Cole. The lyrics tell a story about a monkey who is taken for a ride by a buzzard, but despite a near-death experience, the monkey keeps a cool head and tells the buzzard to straighten up and fly right. The monkey recognizes that the buzzard is not flying in a straight line and is in danger of crashing. The monkey advises the buzzard to cool down and avoid diving or jiving. The monkey encourages him to fly right and stay right, as this is the only way he will be successful.
The song's lyrics can be interpreted as advice to people to keep their cool in tense situations and to always stay focused on their goals. The monkey represents a wise, calm individual who can handle unexpected challenges and remain calm under pressure. The buzzard represents an individual who is perhaps not as grounded and focused as the monkey, and who may need a reminder to stay on track.
Overall, "Straighten Up and Fly Right" is a timeless classic that offers words of wisdom about staying cool and focused in challenging times. The song serves as a reminder to always stay on course and not to let unexpected challenges throw us off track.
Line by Line Meaning
A buzzard took the monkey for a ride in the air
The buzzard deceived the monkey into believing that they are flying together as friends.
The monkey thought that everything was on the square
The monkey believed that the buzzard was honest and sincere in befriending him.
The buzzard tried to throw the monkey off his back
The buzzard attempted to deceive and harm the monkey by getting rid of him.
But the monkey grabbed his neck and said: Now listen, Jack
The monkey took control of the situation and demanded that the buzzard listens to him.
Straighten up and fly right
The monkey advised the buzzard to be honest and to do the right thing instead of deceiving and harming others.
Cool down, papa, don't you blow your top
The monkey urged the buzzard to calm down and not to get angry or lose control.
Ain't no use in divin'
There is no point in being deceitful and sneaky.
What's the use in jivin'
What's the point in deceiving or lying to others.
The buzzard told the monkey 'You're chokin' me
The buzzard tried to claim that the monkey was harming him by holding on too tight.
Release your hold and I'll set you free
The buzzard attempted to trick the monkey into letting go of him so he could throw him off his back.
The monkey looked the buzzard right dead in the eye and said Your story's touching but it sounds like a lie
The monkey saw through the buzzard's lies and refused to be deceived or harmed any longer.
Straighten up and stay right
The monkey emphasized the importance of being honest and true, and not trying to deceive or harm others.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Nat King Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind