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.
Winelight
Grover Washington Jr. Lyrics
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Smooth and mellow, feelin′ how we move so right
We're lettin' the time go, and takin′ it nice and slow.
In the wine light, lazyin′ through this all night flight
Higher and higher, baby, touchin' you with second sight
We′re over the rainbow, it's time to let it flow
Baby, you′re my lover, no other I'd ask to stay
And make a hideaway with me.
Lookin′ out the window at the universe's starry array, we can say
"Everything's OK, you see" as long as you′re here with me
We can leave the world or make it go.
We can lose it in the undertow
If you say it′s true, then we can push it away
As long as you stay
Whatever you say
Please, baby, just stay
And let this wine light, colour every look tonight
Feel the love grow, and let our spirits reunite
We never will let go, until we overflow
The lyrics to Grover Washington Jr's "Winelight" tell the story of a couple spending a night together, enjoying each other's company and indulging in wine. The title "Winelight" itself might suggest a time of relaxation and enjoyment under the dim light of a candle, with a glass of wine. The song has a soft, soothing melody which mimics the mood described in the lyrics. The musician describes the moments he is sharing with his partner, the feeling of peace and happiness as they take in the ambiance of it all.
The lyrics reflect a desire of wanting to escape from the everyday world and lose themselves in each other. The use of a metaphor in the line "We're over the rainbow, it's time to let it flow" implies that the couple wishes to enter a magical world of fantasy where they don’t have to worry about the mundane realities of life. "Dreaming in Burgundy/Lookin′ out the window at the universe's starry array, we can say/ Everything's OK, you see." The song reinforces the idea that they are not only fascinated with each other but also captivated by the endless universe that lies outside. However, they both want to be there for each other, to make each other's life journey enjoyable and without trouble, while remaining in their own world.
Line by Line Meaning
In the wine light, livin' lovin's soft delights
Enjoying the romantic ambiance of the setting, indulging in each other's company and affections.
Smooth and mellow, feelin' how we move so right
Feeling the connection between each other and moving in unison, in a relaxed and rhythmical way.
We're lettin' the time go, and takin' it nice and slow.
Not worrying about time, just taking it easy and enjoying each other's company without feeling any pressure to do anything else.
In the wine light, lazyin' through this all night flight
Relaxing in the romantic atmosphere for the whole night, without a care in the world.
Higher and higher, baby, touchin' you with second sight
Feeling the intensity of the moment, connecting on a deeper level, beyond what is visible to the eye.
We're over the rainbow, it's time to let it flow
Feeling like anything is possible and letting go of inhibitions and fears, allowing things to unfold naturally.
Baby, you're my lover, no other I'd ask to stay
Affirming the other person's importance and specialness, expressing that there is no one else they would rather be with.
And make a hideaway with me
Proposing to create a private and intimate space together, away from the rest of the world.
Dreaming in Burgundy
Getting lost in the moment, the wine, and the romantic atmosphere, allowing the senses to take over.
Looking out the window at the universe's starry array, we can say
Taking a moment to ponder and appreciate the vastness of the universe, and feeling grateful to be sharing this moment with the other person.
'Everything's OK, you see' as long as you're here with me
Expressing the comfort and security that comes from being with the other person, and feeling content with the moment as it is.
We can leave the world or make it go.
Having the freedom to escape reality or engage with it, based on what feels right in the moment.
We can lose it in the undertow
Letting go of any inhibitions and getting lost in each other's presence and the moment.
If you say it's true, then we can push it away
Acknowledging that they have the power to overcome any obstacles that come their way, as long as they are together.
As long as you stay
Emphasizing the importance of the other person's presence and the need for them to stay in the moment and enjoy each other's company.
Whatever you say
Giving the other person the power to lead the moment and dictate the direction of their time together.
Please, baby, just stay
Expressing the desire for the other person to stay close and not leave, as the night and the wine light continue to create a magical atmosphere.
And let this wine light, colour every look tonight
Allowing the romantic ambiance of the setting to influence every look and interaction that they share in the moment.
Feel the love grow, and let our spirits reunite
Feeling the love between them intensifying and reconnecting on a deep level, beyond just the physical connection.
We never will let go, until we overflow
Promising to stay in the moment and not let anything interrupt or distract them, until they have fully immersed themselves in the romantic atmosphere and emotional connection.
Contributed by Nolan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.