She is noted for her elegant interpretations of standards, ballads, and blues. Her characteristic inflections have sometimes prompted comparisons to stylistic devices employed by Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Jones' recordings, particularly her debut record (Don't Go To Strangers, 1960), have earned wide admiration in a new generation of listeners.
She had three Grammy nominations, for the Don't Go to Strangers LP in 1960, Save Your Love for Me in 1981, and My Buddy in 1999.
Jones had a musical partnership of more than thirty years with tenor sax player Houston Person, who received equal billing with her. He also produced her albums and served as her manager.
Jones was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and raised in Harlem. She died at the age of 72 from cancer. She was survived by her husband, John Medlock, and a granddaughter.
Canadian Sunset
Etta Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So lonely and then
You came, out of nowhere
Like the sun up from the hills
Cold, cold was the wind
Warm, warm were your lips
Out there, on that ski trail
A weekend in Canada, a change of scene
Was the most I bargained for
And then I discovered you and in your eyes
I found the love that I couldn't ignore
Down, down came the sun
Fast, fast, fast, beat my heart
I knew when the sun set
From that day, we'd never ever part
Etta Jones's song "Canadian Sunset" captures the beauty and wonder of a newfound love. The lyrics paint a picture of loneliness being replaced by love and warmth when the singer meets someone unexpected on a ski trail in Canada. The song builds a sense of excitement as the singer describes the power of their new romance, which fills them with thrills and brings new meaning to their life. The upbeat tempo of the song provides a perfect backdrop for the joyful lyrics, as the listener can almost feel the rush of emotions being described by the singer.
The song is notable for its smooth and soothing melody, which complements the lyrics perfectly. Jones's voice is also a standout feature of the song, conveying a sense of bliss and contentment that is infectious. The song has become a classic in the jazz and pop genres and has been covered by many artists over the years.
Interestingly, the original version of "Canadian Sunset" was an instrumental written by Eddie Heywood and performed by Hugo Winterhalter's Orchestra in 1956. The lyrics were later added by Norman Gimbel in 1959, and Etta Jones's recording of the song was released in 1960.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I was alone
At a certain point in time, I was all by myself.
So lonely and then
Being alone, I felt desolate and unhappy.
You came, out of nowhere
Without any forewarning, you appeared before me.
Like the sun up from the hills
Just as the sun majestically appears from behind hills, you arrived in a grand way.
Cold, cold was the wind
The wind blows cold and icy.
Warm, warm were your lips
Your lips possess a warm and comforting sensation.
Out there, on that ski trail
My encounter with you happened on a skiing trail outside in nature.
Where your kiss filled me with thrills
Your kiss electrified my being with excitement.
A weekend in Canada, a change of scene
I decided to take a trip to Canada for the weekend, seeking a change of scenery.
Was the most I bargained for
I wasn't expecting much out of this getaway.
And then I discovered you and in your eyes
However, when I met you, I fell for you, and your eyes gave me a glimpse of what was to come.
I found the love that I couldn't ignore
I realized that I could not ignore the love I had discovered within myself.
Down, down came the sun
As the sun descended into the horizon,
Fast, fast, fast, beat my heart
My heart began to race at an unbelievable speed.
I knew when the sun set
I realized at that moment,
From that day, we'd never ever part
that the bond we shared would never be broken.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Norman Gimbel, Eddie Heywood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Thomas
Top notch rendition.
caponsacchi
I wonder what the album title of this one is. I love all of her Prestige recordings--she sounds like an "improved Billie Holiday.". Her later recordings for Muse are not as universally, consistently excellent, as she develops a kind of "yodel," or big "catch," in her voice.
2dasimmons
Oh I LOVE ETTA JONES. a video of Gene Ammons, tenor sax extraordinäre, brought me here. His is my favorite instrumental version and Ms. Jones' is my favorite vocal. RIP Etta and Gene! Looking forward to hearing you all again.
Eisen J Eisen
I and a friend travel to Canada early in life and went through Montreal and Quebec and Wow how nice, this song bring back those memories !
Roger Wilco
Wow... fantastic jazz arrangement, but Dean Martin's more commercial version in 1959 was sublime. Would have loved to hear him do with with this great arrangement.
Fred Flintstone
My favorite is still Andy Williams' version...
Psi Lo
Oh opinion I sense... Hahaha
M.J. Leger
Eartha Kitt's voice doesn't compare to Etta Jones, her voice is so much thinner, tin-ier and raspier, where Etta Jones is even better and fuller than the raspy Etta James.
Troy Giersdorf
I'd love to find an Eartha Kitt rendition
Joe Hallen
MAGNIFICENT RENDITI0N REST IN PEACE ETTA J0NES