"I started playing piano at five or six," Freddy remembers. "Music was all around me." In the Chicago home of his youth, visitors included Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Lionel Hampton. He also credits Billy Eckstine as a major influence. " He was a fantastic entertainer," Freddy recalls. " I learned so much from just watching and being around him." After a possible career with the NFL was shelved due to a hand injury, he began playing and singing in Chicago clubs as a teenager. Although he was ready to hit the road at 18, his mother intervened and he continued his musical education at the Roosevelt Institute in Chicago.
Freddy moved to New York in 1951, where he studied at the Juilliard School of Music and found himself profoundly influenced by John Lewis, Oscar Peterson and Teddy Wilson. He got a Master's degree at the New England Conservatory of Music and then spent several months on the road as a member of an Earl Bostic band that also included Johnny Coles and Benny Golson.
It was back in New York that Freddy successfully laid the groundwork for a career that continues to flourish to this day. He developed a vast repertoire of songs in Manhattan bistros and concurrently began to supplement his live performances with television and radio commercial jingle work.
A resident of Atlanta since 1972, he currently leads a trio made up of himself, guitarist Jerry Byrd, drummer Curtis Boyd and bassist Elias Bailey that regularly tours the US, Europe, the Far East and South America. Freddy has been a recording artist since 1952, when his first single, "The Joke's on Me", was released on an obscure Chicago-based label.
Freddy recorded several albums for European and English companies during the 1970s that helped him develop a loyal overseas following. Cole believes that becoming an international favorite made him "widen my scope a little bit." He developed a stand-up act, a better rapport with audiences, and learned to sing in other languages. "It made me much more of a performer."
Cole doesn't apologize for sounding like his brother, Nat "King" Cole. There are certain unmistakable similarities. He plays piano and sings and performs live with guitar and upright bass, just like Nat. Yet his voice is raspier, smokier, jazzier even. But he has emerged from the awesome shadow cast by his elder brother. In truth, his phrasing is far closer to that of Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday than that of his brother and his timing swings a little more. His vocals - suave, elegant, formidable, and articulate - are among the most respected in jazz. Cole's career continues to ascend as he has moved into the front ranks of America's homegrown art form with a style and musical sophistication all his own.
Candy
Freddy Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some say it's honey and the bee,
Well sit right down and let me tell you
What my love is to me.
"Candy"
I call my sugar "Candy"
Because I'm sweet on "Candy"
He/She understands me,
My understanding "Candy"
And "Candy"'s always handy
When I need sympathy
I wish that there were four of him/her
So I could love much more of him/her
He/She has taken my complete heart,
Got a sweet tooth for my sweetheart
"Candy"
Its gonna be just dandy
The day I take my "Candy"
And make him mine all mine
Mine
The song "Candy" by Freddy Cole is a love song that describes the singer's deep affection for his/her lover whom he/she calls "Candy." The lyrics suggest that love is usually referred to as sweet, with examples given as "sweet as a rose" and "honey and the bee." To the singer, however, his/her love is personified in Candy, whom he/she loves deeply and values greatly. The singer considers Candy as his/her soulmate or understanding partner, and expresses the desire to have more of him/her.
The lyrics reflect a profound emotional attachment, as suggested by the line, "He/She has taken my complete heart." The way the singer refers to his/her partner as "Candy" suggests that Candy is so sweet and perfect that he/she deserves to be called a name that is usually associated with a sugary treat. The singer acknowledges that Candy also reciprocates the love, noting that "Candy is sweet on me." He/she also appreciates the support and comfort provided by Candy, who is always handy during moments of need and sorrow, providing the necessary sympathy.
In summary, the song "Candy" by Freddy Cole is a heartfelt love song that expresses a deep emotional connection between the singer and his/her lover who is referred to as Candy. The lyrics are symbolic and reveal the level of adoration and appreciation the singer has towards Candy.
Line by Line Meaning
Some say that love is sweet as a rose,
Love is often compared to a sweet and beautiful rose.
Some say it's honey and the bee,
Some people describe love as sweet as honey and the attraction between two people as natural as a bee to a flower.
Well sit right down and let me tell you
Let me take a moment to explain my understanding of love.
What my love is to me.
I will describe how I see and feel love.
"Candy"
I refer to my significant other as "Candy".
I call my sugar "Candy"
I use the term "sugar" to refer to someone I find sweet and enjoyable, hence my endearment of "Candy".
Because I'm sweet on "Candy"
I have strong feelings of love and affection for "Candy".
And "Candy" is sweet on me
"Candy" reciprocates my love and feelings for them.
He/She understands me,
"Candy" has a deep perception of my personality and knows me well.
My understanding "Candy"
"Candy" is an insightful and empathetic partner who grasps my feelings and thoughts.
And "Candy"'s always handy
"Candy" is always there when I need them and can be counted on for support and comfort.
When I need sympathy
Whenever I require expression of condolences or concern, "Candy" is ready to lend a compassionate ear.
I wish that there were four of him/her
I yearn for more of "Candy"'s presence and affection.
So I could love much more of him/her
I desire to love, care and cherish "Candy" even more deeply than I do now.
He/She has taken my complete heart,
"Candy" possesses all of my heart and love.
Got a sweet tooth for my sweetheart
I have a strong desire and attraction for "Candy" similar to a sweet craving.
"Candy"
Reiterating my endearment of "Candy".
Its gonna be just dandy
Everything will be perfect and fine.
The day I take my "Candy"
The day I commit to "Candy" in a more formal way and profess my love.
And make him mine all mine
The day I become the exclusive partner and lover of "Candy".
Mine
Finalizing my claim to the love and affection of "Candy".
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joan Whitney, Alex Kramer, Mack David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lastknowngood0
Hachimitsu is my unreachable candy, sure ain't handy, far across the sea, but she knows me, that is why she shows me, that we are compatible musically. No fuss no muss no nestle no wrestle just cozy like Freddie Cole, Nat & Stixman, understand? , <3
lastknowngood0
Candy still is dandy, my understanding Honey, thinks it must be funny, to excite old PJ. like Miss Hardaway, on Saturday, in my time zone, all alone, on the smart phone Star Trek Twilight Zone, No Calzone, be moan, on loan home grown Azul gillone! Yeah! <3