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.
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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.
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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)
Testify
Dianne Reeves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I wanna testify
Got a job a roof overhead don't live fancy but my family's fed
I wanna testify
Got my strength and I got my health you can't buy that with fame or wealth And
I just wanna testify
I get overwhelmed with thankfulness for things I have received
More than fame or wealth I feel the spirit inside movin' me
And I just wanna testify
I got a joy that comes from within, deep in my soul I feel so content
And I just wanna testify
I searched high and I searched low, to find the answers only Heaven holds
And I just wanna testify
Too much joy, can't keep it to myself, I feel the need to tell somebody else
And I just wanna testify
Gifts of love that we all need, are provided if we only plant the seeds
And I wanna plant the seeds and testify
I just wanna testify
Feelin' light enough to fly
Lift your voice up to the sky
Come on join in and don't be shy
Get on your feet and testify
Feelin' light enough to fly
Lift your voice up to the sky
Come on join in and don't be shy
Dianne Reeves's song Testify is a testament to gratitude and the powerful emotion it can evoke. In the beginning, the lyrics focus on the simplicity of daily life and the things that we often take for granted. The singer acknowledges the simple pleasures she is blessed with - a roof over her head, a job, and the ability to put food on the table for her family. She acknowledges that her true riches are her strength and her health, things that cannot be bought with money. The song's title comes from her desire to testify, to share her appreciation with the world.
As the song progresses, the energy builds, and the gratitude moves towards the spiritual. The singer feels overwhelmed by the blessings she has received and feels the stirring of spirit within her. She acknowledges that there are answers that only heaven holds and that she has found joy deep in her soul. She is moved to tell others about her experience - not just to express her gratitude but to share the gifts of love she has herself received.
Overall, the message of the song is one of hope and thankfulness. Even in the midst of challenging times, there is always something to be grateful for, and it is crucial to share that gratitude with the world. The final call to action, to get on your feet and testify, is a call to action for listeners to take this message to heart and make a positive change in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
In the morning when I wake I'm so thankful for another day
Every day, I wake up with gratitude for being alive.
And I wanna testify
I want to express my gratefulness to the world.
Got a job a roof overhead don't live fancy but my family's fed
I have a decent job and home that provide for my family's basic needs.
I wanna testify
I want to let everyone know how blessed I am.
Got my strength and I got my health you can't buy that with fame or wealth And I just wanna testify
Having good health and strength is more valuable than riches or fame, and I want to express my gratitude for it.
I get overwhelmed with thankfulness for things I have received
Sometimes, I feel a mix of emotions when I think about how many blessings I have.
More than fame or wealth I feel the spirit inside movin' me
I believe in something greater than fame or wealth, which moves me from within.
Looked around and can't ignore, there's so many things to be thankful for
I can't help but realize how many things I have to be grateful for when I look around me.
And I just wanna testify
I feel compelled to express my gratitude to the world.
I got a joy that comes from within, deep in my soul I feel so content
There is an indescribable joy that fills my soul, bringing me contentment.
And I just wanna testify
I want to share my joy with anyone who will listen.
I searched high and I searched low, to find the answers only Heaven holds
I've looked everywhere to find the answers to life's questions, but ultimately, only heaven holds them.
And I just wanna testify
I want to proclaim my beliefs to the world.
Too much joy, can't keep it to myself, I feel the need to tell somebody else
My joy is overflowing, and I need to share it with others.
And I just wanna testify
I want to spread the word about the blessings I've received.
Gifts of love that we all need, are provided if we only plant the seeds
Love is abundant, and we only need to put in some effort to receive its gifts.
And I wanna plant the seeds and testify
I want to put forth the effort to spread love and gratitude to others.
I just wanna testify
Overall, I want to express my thankfulness to anyone who will listen.
Feelin' light enough to fly
My joy is so great that I feel light and carefree.
Lift your voice up to the sky
Express your gratitude to the world.
Come on join in and don't be shy
Don't be afraid to express your own gratitude and joy.
Get on your feet and testify
Stand up and share your blessings with the world.
Feelin' light enough to fly
The joy I feel makes me feel weightless and carefree.
Lift your voice up to the sky
Express your gratitude to the world around you.
Come on join in and don't be shy
Come together with others and share your blessings.
Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: D. Munyungo Jackson, Dianne Reeves
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind