Doris Spears was born in the Mississippi Delta and partially raised in Gary Indiana and Chicago IL, where as a teen-ager she immersed herself in the music of Jazz, Blues and R & B. By the time she was 17 she was already singing professionally in Chicago Jazz clubs and concert halls, with musicians such as Von Freeman, Lefty Bates, and Vernell Fournier. Gradually word about Doris' voice spread from Chicago to St. Louis and New York and points in between.
Then in the 80's Lionel Hampton met Doris at the New York Public Library in Bryant Park, invited her to audition, and immediatley asked her to tour with him. The rest, as they say, is history. Beginning that fall and throughout the decade Doris would tour parts of Europe, the Middle East and the United States; gigs would follow with a veritable who's who of Jazz up to and including Jack MacDuff, Clark Terry, Egil Kapstad, Grady Tate, David Braham, Radam Scwartz, Pam Morita, Rune Nicolaysen, Paul Weeden, Charles Earland,Thilo Berg, Jack Von Poll, Eddie Green, Big John Patton, Tony Williams, Don Wilner etc, etc.
Eight years later, after two highly celebrated CD's, "The Duchess: Jazz & Juke Joints" , arguably, her most seminal CD was released and greeted with even greater critical acclaim; we are additionally treated to her magnificent gifts as a songwriter and lyricist. "A Tribute to Billie Holiday" was performed in a concert at Trenton's Fabled Ellarslie Mansion on May 18th 2007.
Her regular trio consisting of Master Pianist/Organist David Braham, Drummer Payton Crossley of Ahmad Jamal fame, and Broadway/Jazz Bassist Roy Cummings, backed her superbly. The audience that night gave Doris a standing "O" and lingered after the instruments were packed up to enjoy her conversation. They had to drive home but you don't. Just acquire your copy of her CD and to share their pleasure, insert it in the player, sit back---or lay back---and smile. It won't be hard to do. Doris Spears is the mother of Shahran Spears, an Education Administrator in DeKalb IL and Aries Spears, Comedian and Actor (Mad TV) living in CA.
Official Website: Doris Spears
Old Folks
Doris Spears Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
That's why everybody loves him so
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Looks like we warm the steak
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
What a lonesome old town this will be
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
The day they take the Old Folks away
The song "Old Folks" by Doris Spears is a tribute to an elderly man who is known and loved by everyone in the town. The lyrics describe him as a free-spirited person who comes and goes like the seasons. He is admired for his honesty and reliability, which is reflected in the line "Just as free as a bird and as good as his word, that's why everybody loves him so".
The song goes on to describe some of the quirks that might make the man seem eccentric, such as leaving his spoon in his coffee and tucking his napkin under his chin. These details add to the charm of the character and show that he is unapologetically himself. The line "But you needn't be ashamed of him" suggests that people might judge him for these quirks, but they still respect and accept him for who he is.
The chorus of the song is a poignant reflection on mortality and the passing of time. The lyric "Someday there'll be no more Old Folks, what a lonesome old town this will be" acknowledges that everyone eventually grows old and dies, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled. The reference to the silence of children's voices also highlights the theme of generational change and the passing of traditions.
Overall, "Old Folks" is a touching tribute to an elderly man who is an important part of his community. The song celebrates his unique character and the love and respect that he has earned from those around him.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone knows him as Old Folks
Old Folks is a familiar figure to all
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
He tends to move around like the cycles of nature do
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
He is independent and reliable
That's why everybody loves him so
People adore him because of his charming personality
Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
He generally forgets where he places his spoon and always leaves it inside the cup
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
He puts his napkin up along his neck while eating to avoid food stains
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
He has no qualms about eating a ripe cheese even when others might find it unpleasant
But you needn't be ashamed of him
One shouldn't be embarrassed by his actions
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
He spends his Fridays doing his favorite activity, fishing at a nearby lake
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
He rarely catches a big fish, but it never dampens his spirit
Looks like we warm the steak
It seems like we will struggle to eat the meat cooked by him
Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
The day will come when Old Folks will no longer be around
What a lonesome old town this will be
It will be a sad and lonely place without him
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
Even the merry sound of children playing will be silenced for a day
The day they take the Old Folks away
The day Old Folks leaves the place permanently
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Regina Cee
What an amazing singer this Queen is, I would've had loved to been there to see her perform live.
Jeffrey Fadden
She's excellent!..She's the benchmark standard for the Standards! Hands down! (and Happy Birthday to you today!)
Latonya Wrenn
Aries Spears mother is class personified!
AzucaNegra16
This wonderful singer is comdian Aries Spears' mother.