Born in Detroit, Michigan, in a family that included brothers Russell and Gasper, Rosolino studied the guitar with his father starting at age 9. Frank took up the trombone at age 14, and graduated from Miller High School, while playing in the Cass Tech Symphony Orchestra, a fine music program that also produced Donald Byrd. Following service in the U.S. Army's 86th Division during World War II, he played with the big bands of Bob Chester, Glen Gray, Tony Pastor, Herbie Fields, and Gene Krupa. He became famous during a stint in the most popular of Stan Kenton's progressive big bands, (1952-1954), and settled in Los Angeles, where he worked with everybody in the business: Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse All-Stars (1954-1960), Terry Gibbs, Shorty Rogers, Benny Carter, Buddy Rich, Dexter Gordon, Carl Fontana, Jean "Toots" Thielmans, Stan Levey, Shelly Manne, Pete Christlieb, Bobby Knight, Conte Candoli, Med Flory, Donn Tremmer, Mel Tormé, Louis Bellson, Marty Paich, Zoot Sims, Quincy Jones, and Tutti Camarata. He attempted to maintain his popularity in the 1970s through high-profile associations with non-jazz bands, including Tower of Power and Brass Machine, but most fans remember this period in his career through his association with Med Flory's Supersax.
Frank's third wife, and the mother of their two sons, committed suicide in February 1972 in Los Angeles, California, and he was overheard telling his girlfriend that her suicide forced him to contemplate his own death. He died in 1978 in Van Nuys, California, committing suicide after shooting both sons, Justin, 9, and Jason, 7, his only children. Jason survived, blinded, and was adopted by his mother's cousin, Claudia Eien, and her husband Gary.
The International Trombone Association established its first award for jazz trombone in Frank's memory, and he continues to be remembered as one of the greatest jazz trombone players of all time.
It Had To Be You
Frank Rosolino Lyrics
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I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
Could make me be true, could make me feel blue,
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you.
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Might never be cross or try to be boss,
But they wouldn't do.
With all your faults, I love you still,
It had to be you, wonderful you,
It had to be you.
It had to be you, it had to be you.
I wandered around and finally found somebody who
Could make me be true, could make me be blue,
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you.
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Might never be cross or try to be boss,
But they wouldn't do.
For nobody else gave me a thrill.
With all your faults, I love you still.
It had to be you, wonderful you
It had to be you.
The lyrics of Frank Rosolino's "It Had To Be You" are a sweet and romantic tribute to the one he loves. The song describes how the singer had been searching for someone who could make him feel true emotions like joy and sadness, and to whom he could be faithful. He finally found that person – the one who could make him happy and also make him miss them when they’re not together. The lyrics also suggest that while other people may have their good qualities, there is no one quite as special as the person the singer is addressing. Despite their flaws, the singer proclaims their love and devotion to this wonderful person, who had to be them.
The lyrics are straightforward and convey the message of finding true love seamlessly. The repeated refrain of "It had to be you, wonderful you" reinforces the idea of destiny and the inevitability of the two people coming together. The lyrics' simplicity makes it relatable and an apt pick for serenading a loved one. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but the original by Frank Rosolino stands the test of time with its warm, heartfelt lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
It had to be you, it had to be you.
Out of all the people in the world, fate brought us together and you're the only one who can make me feel the way I feel.
I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
I searched high and low until I found the one person who completed me and made me feel whole.
Could make me be true, could make me feel blue,
You have a way of bringing out both the best and the worst in me, but I wouldn't want it any other way because it's real.
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you.
Even when I'm feeling down or lonely, the mere thought of you brings joy to my heart and makes me smile.
Some others I've seen might never be mean
I've met other people who were kind and easy-going, but they lacked the passion and fire that you bring to my life.
Might never be cross or try to be boss,
They might not be argumentative or controlling, but they also wouldn't challenge me or push me to be better.
But they wouldn't do.
Despite any superficial qualities they may possess, they could never compare to the depth of love and connection we share.
For nobody else gave me a thrill.
There is something magical and electrifying about being with you that I haven't been able to find anywhere else.
With all your faults, I love you still,
You're not perfect, but your flaws are what make you unique and special to me. I accept and love you for exactly who you are.
It had to be you, wonderful you,
You are the one who was meant for me, and I'll forever be grateful that our paths crossed and we found each other.
It had to be you.
There's no doubt in my mind that you are my soulmate and I wouldn't want to be with anyone else.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Isham Jones, Gus Kahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind