Bostic was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He turned professional at age 18 when he joined Terrence Holder's band. He made his first recording with Lionel Hampton in 1942 where he played along with Red Allen, J.C. Higginbotham, Sid Catlett, Teddy Wilson and Hampton. Before that he performed with Fate Marable on New Orleans riverboats. Bostic graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans. He worked with territory bands as well as Arnett Cobb, Hot Lips Page, Rex Stewart, Don Byas, Charlie Christian, Thelonious Monk and other jazz luminaries. He formed his own band in 1945, and turned to rhythm and blues in the late 1940s. His biggest hits were "Temptation," "Sleep," "Flamingo," "You Go to My Head" and "Cherokee." At various times his band included Jaki Byard, John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Blue Mitchell, Stanley Turrentine, Tommy Turrentine, Keter Betts, Sir Charles Thompson, Teddy Edwards, Tony Scott, Benny Carter and other musicians who rose to prominence in jazz. Bostic held his musicians to a high standard and demanded that they read music faultlessly. He was influenced by the great Sidney Bechet. John Coltrane in turn was influenced by Earl Bostic. James Moody said that Bostic was the chief influence on John Coltrane. Moody mentioned that "Bostic knew his instrument inside out, back to front and upside down."
His virtuosity is documented in records such as Up There In Orbit, Earl's Imagination, Apollo Theater Jump, All On, Artistry by Bostic, Telestar Drive, Liza, Lady Be Good and Tiger Rag. Bostic was a master of the blues and he used this skill in a variety of musical settings. Although Bostic recorded many commercial albums, some notable jazz based exceptions on the King label include Bostic Rocks Hits of the Swing Age, Jazz As I Feel It and A New Sound.
Bostic's King album titled Jazz As I Feel It featured Shelly Manne on drums, Joe Pass on guitar and Groove Holmes on organ. Bostic recorded the King Album "A New Sound" about one month later again, featuring Holmes and Pass. These recordings allowed Bostic to stretch out beyond the 3 minute limit imposed by the 45 RPM format. Bostic was pleased with the sessions which highlight his total mastery of the blues but they also foreshadowed musical advances that were later evident in the work of John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy.
He wrote arrangements for Paul Whiteman, Louis Prima, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, Artie Shaw, Jack Teagarden and Alvino Rey.
Bostic's signature hit, "Flamingo" was recorded in 1951 and remains a favorite among followers of Carolina Beach Music in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Their style of Beach Music is heavily influenced by Rhythm-and-Blues music from the 40's, 50's and 60's. Bostic recorded for Cincinnati-based King Records, a small label that was well known for releasing "R and B" and Bluegrass records. In fact, the biggest star on the King label was "the Godfather of Soul", James Brown. Bostic was also popular among R&B and jazz followers in the United Kingdom, thanks to his records that were released on the Parlophone label.
Bostic died from a heart attack in Rochester, New York, while performing with his band in 1965. His widow, Hildegarde, was still living in San Francisco as of the mid-1990s.
Sleep
Earl Bostic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep
While we sleep, sleep, sleep
It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
Night time brings rest to the weary
Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep
The lyrics to Earl Bostic's song "Sleep" express the love and comfort that humans find in sleep. The song highlights the tranquility that comes as day transitions into night, allowing the body to release tension and the mind to rest. The first verse emphasizes that sleep is highly anticipated after a long day of joy, and it brings about a sense of peace and calmness. The second verse focuses on the different feelings and experiences associated with each time of day: laughter and song during the day, romance during the evening, and rest during the night. The chorus repeats the love of sleep and how dreams can transport us back to the sweet memories of the day.
The lyrics of "Sleep" are highly relatable to most people, as sleep is a vital part of our daily life. The words are simple yet powerful in their expression of how important sleep is for our physical and mental wellbeing. By singing about the comfort that comes with falling asleep, the song reminds listeners to value rest and take care of themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleep, sleep, sleep
Repeating the word sleep three times to emphasize the importance of sleep.
How we love to sleep
Expressing the universal love for sleep and how it's loved by everyone.
At the close of day
Referring to the end of the day, when everyone is winding down and preparing for rest.
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
The day may have been filled with happy moments and memories, but as the night sets in, it's time to let go of them and prepare for rest.
Of the day repeat
Although the day might be over, the memories can still replay in the mind, especially during sleep.
In our dreams they creep
The memories of the day sneak into our dreams and shape the content of what we dream.
While we sleep, sleep, sleep
Repeating the word sleep to emphasize how important the restful state is to our bodies.
It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
Daytime is often associated with joy, happiness, and activities, which makes it the perfect time for laughter and music.
Evening brings romance to lovers as they stroll along
The evening's calmness is a perfect setting for lovers to take a walk and enjoy each other's company.
Night time brings rest to the weary
The night has a calming effect on the body, allowing for rest and relaxation after a long day.
Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
Sleep can soothe the hearts of those who are feeling down or tired due to the day's events.
Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Sleeping allows us to be alone with our thoughts and daydreams from the day, whether good or bad.
Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
Sleep can bring back memories of love, both past and present, allowing us to enjoy those moments again in our dreams.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Stephen Fretwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind