In addition, he performed very frequently with other artists, including Bill Withers on "Just the Two of Us" (a song still in regular rotation on radio today) and Phyllis Hyman on "Sacred Kind of Love". He is also remembered for his take on a Dave Brubeck classic, called "Take Another Five", as well as for his hit "Soulful Strut". His work continues to inspire jazz artists even today.
Washington was born in Buffalo, New York, 12 December 1943. Regarded as one of the revolutionaries in jazz music and is considered one of the greatest saxophone players in modern jazz history. He led many others to follow in his footsteps.
Washington's history was music-filled. His mother was a church chorister, and his father was a collector of old jazz 78s and a saxophonist as well, so music was everywhere in the home. He grew up with the great jazz men and big band leaders like Benny Goodman, Fletcher Henderson, and others like them. At the age of 8, with the desire for him to be more than he could be, Grover Sr. gave Jr. a saxophone. He practiced and sneaked into clubs to see famous Buffalo blues musicians.
He left Buffalo and played with a mid-west group called the Four Clefs. He was drafted into the US Army shortly thereafter, but this was to be to his advantage, as he met drummer Billy Cobham. Cobham, a mainstay in New York City, introduced Washington to many New York musicians. After leaving the Army, Washington freelanced his talents around New York City, eventually landing in Philadelphia in 1967.
Grover's big break came at the expense of another artist. Alto sax man Hank Crawford was unable to make a recording date with Prestige Records, and Washington took his place, even though he was a backup. This led to his first album, Inner City Blues. He was talented, and displayed heart and soul with soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. Refreshing for his time, he made headway into the jazz mainstream. His fifth album, 1974's Mister Magic was a commercial success, and introduced guitarist Eric Gale in as a near-permanent member in Washington's arsenal.
A string of acclaimed records brought Washington through the 1970s, which culminated in the signature piece for everything Washington would do from then on. 1980's Winelight was the album that defined everything Washington was about. The album was smooth, fused with R and B and easy listening feel. Washington's love of basketball, especially the Philadelphia 76ers, led him to dedicate his first track, Let It Flow to Julius Erving (Dr. J). The highlight of the album, and a main staple of radio airplay everywhere, was his great collaboration with soul artist Bill Withers, Just The Two of Us. It was also the final step away from Motown, landing him on Elektra Records and into a new era of jazz excellence. The album went platinum in 1981, and also won Grammy Awards in 1982 for Best R and B Song ("Just The Two of Us"), and Best Jazz Fusion Performance ("Winelight"). "Winelight" was also nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
From that point, Washington is credited (or scorned, as some may say) for giving rise to a new batch of talent that would make its mark in the late 80s and early 90s. He is blamed for bringing Kenny G to the forefront, but also credited with bringing such smooth jazz artists as Walter Beasley, Steve Cole, Pamela Williams, Najee, George Howard, and The Philadelphia Experiment into popular attention.
The tragedy and irony of Washington's life was that while he was able to get his big break from another artist's absence, Washington lived long enough to bring smooth jazz to the last points of the old millennium, but didn't outlive Hank Crawford, whose absence gave him his big break (and is still alive, as of 2005). On December 17th, 1999, while waiting in the green room after taping four songs for the The Early Show, at CBS Studios in New York City, Washington collapsed. He was taken to St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 7:30 p.m. His doctors determined that he had suffered a massive heart attack.
Grover Washington Jr.'s legacy lives on in the futures of up-and-coming jazz artists, and his life is celebrated from college campuses all around the nation to the hallowed streets of his own Philadelphia, his adopted hometown.
The Christmas Song
Grover Washington Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
The lyrics of Grover Washington Jr.'s song The Christmas Song is an excellent depiction of the Christmas season's joyful and spirited nature. The opening lines highlight some of the peaceful scenes that we often find at Christmas, such as chestnuts roasting in a fire, and how the cold weather can make our noses tingle. As the song progress, the lyrics take us to a more festive atmosphere where carolers are singing and people have dressed up in Eskimo attire for the occasion. The song continues to capture the essence of Christmas as crowds everywhere are in high spirits and celebrating with loved ones.
The second verse is much more playful as the song describes various things that we associate with Christmas, such as the presence of a turkey and mistletoe, which make the season feel more cheerful. The third verse is particularly enjoyable as it references the anticipation that children experience while waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. Santa Claus comes with a bag containing gifts and treats for every child that made it to his "good list." The song ends with an expression of goodwill, with the singer wishing everyone, young and old, a Merry Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The aroma of chestnuts being roasted fills the room while the heat from the fire warms our hearts.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The winter is here and it's chilly outside, you can feel Jack Frost pinching your nose almost as if he is playing with you.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyful melody of carols fills the air as people gather together to sing and celebrate the holiday spirit.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are bundled up in thick, cozy clothes, reminding us of the brave Eskimos who withstand the harsh winter conditions.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
It's no secret that the holiday season is here with the sight of a stuffed turkey and mistletoe decorations hanging around.
Help to make the season bright
The presence of turkey and mistletoe brings joy and happiness to the season, making it feel more bright and cheerful.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children are excitedly buzzing with anticipation, their eyes twinkling and glowing with happiness and wonderment.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
The excitement is too much and the young ones will have a hard time sleeping tonight, eager for what tomorrow will bring.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children know that Santa Claus is coming soon and can hardly wait for him to arrive with his gifts and goodies.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa's sleigh is full of toys and gifts for children all over the world, ready to be delivered with love and cheer.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Kids can't resist the temptation to peek and spy on Santa as he delivers presents, not wanting to miss a chance to catch a glimpse of the magical moment.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children question whether the reindeer can really fly, as they soar through the sky with Santa's sleigh, making the impossible seem possible.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
I humbly offer this simple phrase as a gesture of goodwill and love to all, as we celebrate the magic of the holiday season together.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This simple message of love and joy is for everybody- from children to adults of all ages- bringing everyone closer together during this special time of the year.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message of Merry Christmas has been conveyed in many different ways before, but its significance and meaning remain unchanged, as it continues to bring happiness and warmth to everyone's hearts.
Merry Christmas to you!
I wish you a joyful, warm, and magical Christmas filled with love, happiness, and togetherness with your loved ones.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind