"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.
That Old Feeling
Freddy Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you came in sight, I got that old feeling
The moment that you danced by, I felt a thrill
And when you caught my eye, my heart stood still
Once again I seemed to feel that old yearning
Then I knew the spark of love was still burning
There'll be no new romance for me, it's foolish to start
There'll be no new romance for me, it's foolish to start
'Cause that old feeling is still in my heart
The lyrics to Freddy Cole's song "That Old Feeling" depict the experience of encountering an old love interest and the rush of emotions that accompanies it. The singer describes how upon seeing the person, they instantly felt a deep connection, reminiscent of a past romance. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, as the singer reminisces about the thrill and excitement they once felt.
The phrase "that old feeling" signifies the powerful emotions and longing that resurface upon seeing the person again. It suggests that despite time and distance, the love they once shared still holds a significant place in the singer's heart. The lyrics imply that the singer is aware of the lingering feelings but acknowledges the futility of pursuing a new romance because the old feelings remain unresolved.
Overall, the lyrics convey a bittersweet sentiment, capturing the complexity of emotions associated with reencountering a past love and the realization that those feelings may never fully fade away.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw you last night and got that old feeling
Upon seeing you last night, I experienced a rush of nostalgia and emotions.
When you came in sight, I got that old feeling
As soon as you entered my line of vision, I was overcome with familiar sentiments.
The moment that you danced by, I felt a thrill
As you gracefully danced past me, I was filled with excitement and delight.
And when you caught my eye, my heart stood still
When our eyes met, my heart momentarily stopped beating in awe of your presence.
Once again I seemed to feel that old yearning
Once more, I experienced the intense desire and longing I had felt before.
Then I knew the spark of love was still burning
In that moment, I realized that the flame of love still burned brightly within me.
There'll be no new romance for me, it's foolish to start
I have decided not to embark on any new romantic endeavors as it would be unwise.
'Cause that old feeling is still in my heart
Because the familiar emotions and attachment still reside deep within my heart.
There'll be no new romance for me, it's foolish to start
I have resolved not to begin a fresh romance due to its impractical nature.
'Cause that old feeling is still in my heart
This decision is reinforced by the fact that my heart is still full of that well-known sensation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lew Brown, Sammy Fain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind