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.
Trouble Man
Grover Washington Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't make it sugar, playin' by the rules
I come up hard baby, but now I'm fine
I'm checkin' trouble sugar, movin' down the line
I come up hard baby, but that's okay
'Cause trouble man, don't get in my way
I come up hard baby, I've been for real
Gonna keep movin', gonna go to town
There's only three things that for sure
Taxes, death and trouble
This I know, baby
This I know, sugar
Girl, I ain't gon' let it sweat me, baby
Got me singin'
Yeah , yeah, whoa
I come up hard,
I've had to fight
Take care of my business,
With all my might
I come up hard, I had to win
Then start all over, and win again
I come up hard, but that's okay
'Cause trouble man
Don't get in my way
I know some places and I've seen some faces
I've got good connections they dig in my directions
What people say that's okay
They don't bother me
Ready to make it, don't fool with no women
Don't care 'bout no trouble got myself together
I feel a kind of protection is all around me
This I know baby
Girl, I ain't gonna let it sweat me, baby
I come up hard, but now I'm cool
I didn't make it sugar, playin' by the rules
I come up hard baby, but now I'm fine
I'm checkin' trouble sugar
Movin' down the line
The lyrics of Grover Washington Jr.'s song Trouble Man speak of a resilience and determination to overcome adverse circumstances. The singer acknowledges having come up hard, a reality in which he had to fight and struggle to survive. However, he is now cool and fine, having learned to take care of his business with all his might. Although he had to win and start all over again, he affirms that he will keep moving and going to town.
The singer declares that he is a trouble man and will not let anything stop him from achieving his goals. He knows that taxes, death, and trouble are inevitable, and he has good connections that dig in his directions. The singer feels that he is protected and that no woman or trouble can deter him. He acknowledges that he has seen some faces and heard what people say, but it does not bother him. The tone of the song is optimistic and confident, reflecting the singer's confidence in his abilities to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
I come up hard baby, but now I'm cool
I had a tough upbringing, but now I'm relaxed and composed
I didn't make it sugar, playin' by the rules
I didn't achieve success following conventional methods
I come up hard baby, but now I'm fine
Despite enduring struggles, I'm doing well now
I'm checkin' trouble sugar, movin' down the line
I'm cautiously progressing, keeping an eye out for challenges
I come up hard baby, but that's okay
I've faced difficulties in the past, but I'm fine with it now
'Cause trouble man, don't get in my way
I'm not afraid of obstacles, I can handle them
I come up hard baby, I've been for real
I've faced hardships genuinely
Gonna keep movin', gonna go to town
I'm determined to keep forging ahead and succeed
I come up hard baby, I'm gettin' down
I've overcome difficulties and am having fun now
There's only three things that for sure
Taxes, death and trouble
There are a few things in life that are inevitable, like taxes, death, and problems
I know some places and I've seen some faces
I've had experiences and met people that have impacted me
I've got good connections they dig in my directions
I have established relationships with people who support me
What people say that's okay
They don't bother me
I don't care what others think or say as it doesn't affect me
Ready to make it, don't fool with no women
Don't care 'bout no trouble got myself together
I'm ready to succeed and don't want any distractions, and I'm not afraid of problems
I feel a kind of protection is all around me
I sense that I'm shielded from harm
This I know baby
Girl, I ain't gonna let it sweat me, baby
I'm confident in myself and I won't let problems stress me out
I had to fight
Take care of my business,
With all my might
I had to struggle and work hard to establish myself and achieve success
I come up hard, I had to win
Then start all over, and win again
I had to persevere and keep winning to maintain my success
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Baribrotzer
Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Saxophones: Grover Washington, Jr.
Composer and Lyricist: Marvin Gaye
Arranger, Conductor: Bob James
Vocals: Maeretha Stewart, Eileen Gilbert, Bernard Thacker, Barbara Massey, William Eaton, Randolph Peyton
Violins: Harry Lookofsky, Paul Gershman, Harry Cykman, Max Ellen, Harold Kohon, Gene Orloff,
Emanuel Green, Elliot Rosoff, Elliot Rosoff, David Nadien, David Nadien, Charles Libove, Joe Malin
Cellos: Charles McCracken, Seymour Barab, George Ricci
Piccolo, Flute: Hubert Laws
Piccolo, Flute, Recorder: Harvey Estrin
Piccolo, Flute, Oboe: George Marge
Clarinet, Piccolo, Bass Clarinet, English Horn, Oboe: Romeo Penque
Clarinet, Flute, Contrabass Clarinet, Bass Saxophone: Wally Kane
Bassoon: Donald MacCourt
Trombones: Santo Russo, Wayne Andre
Bass Trombones: Tony Studd, Paul Faulise, Alan Raph
Guitar: Eric Gale
Piano, Electric Piano: Bob James
Organ: Richard Tee
Electric Bass Guitar, Double Bass: Ron Carter
Double Bass: Richard Davis
Drums: Idris Muhammad
Percussion: Ralph MacDonald, Phil Kraus, David Friedman, Airto
Maurice White
The Man! One of the Very Best Saxophonist on the planet! It’s a real blessing that although he left us? His music will be here for us to enjoy! Thank you, Grover!
ezmomoney14
A whole Blessing.....
Christopher All
Another brilliant Jazz creationist in the prime....superb transcendence of emotion..best on vinyl!
Yosef KWAMIE
Today, Tuesday December 17, 2019, marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of saxophonist, composer, producer and bandleader Grover Washington Jr.
His wonderful music is ours to enjoy for eternity.
His legacy is enduring and undeniable.
Grover Forever!!!!
Robert Webb
Yes sir,
Huw Thomas
Aye
marcelo tálamo
gracias por esta información a Al maestro washington lo escuché poco tendré que escucharlo bastante más luego de este disco apareció otro donde no estaba Bob james y era tan increible y genial como el que me gusto antes
Keyboardman88
Has it really been that long? Sax players come, Sax players go....Grover is ever lasting.
marcelo tálamo
@Keyboardman88 con ustedes estoy a´prendiendo gracias
Laurie Wisdom
GREAT SONG!! Grover was very talented!