She moved to New York and became a recording vocalist with Harry James big band in 1937.
Her swing recordings with Harry James included "Jubilee", "I Can Dream Can't I", "That's The Dreamer In Me" and "Song Of The Wanderer".
Helen Humes became one of the vocalists with Count Basie's band in the late 1930s.
Her vocals with Basie's band included "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea".
During the 1940s and 1950s Helen Humes became a solo performer and worked with different bands and other vocalists including Nat King Cole.
In 1950 Humes recorded Benny Carter's "Rock Me to Sleep". She managed to bridge the gap between big band jazz swing and rhythm and blues.
She moved to Hawaii and later to Australia.
Helen Humes died in Santa Monica, California.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Humes"
And the Angels Sing
Helen Humes Lyrics
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The angels sing the sweetest song I've ever heard
You speak and the angels sing
Or am I reading music into every word?
Suddenly the setting is strange
I can see water and moonlight beaming
Silver waves that break on some undiscovered shore
Long winter nights with the candles gleaming
Through it all your face that I adore
You smile and the angels sing
And though it's just a gentle murmur at the start
We kiss and the angels sing
And leave their music ringing in my heart
The song "And the Angels Sing" describes the experience of two people falling in love as being accompanied by the sweetest song the angels have ever sung. The idea is that the connection between these two individuals is so powerful that it is even noticed by celestial beings.
The lyrics suggest that love is transformative and has the power to transport us to different settings and moods. The verse that begins with "suddenly, the setting is strange" creates a dreamy image of water and moonlight, representing the dream-like feeling of falling in love. The subsequent lines about winter nights and candles suggest that even during darker times, the power of love can create a warm, comforting glow.
The chorus further emphasizes the transformative power of love, describing how a single smile or kiss has the ability to make the angels sing and leave their music ringing in the heart of the singer. The imagery in this song effectively captures the romantic and transformative experience of falling in love.
Line by Line Meaning
We meet and the angels sing
Our encounter is such a beautiful thing that seems to have been orchestrated by celestial beings, who are now singing the most melodious song that I have ever heard.
You speak and the angels sing
Every time you talk to me, it feels as if the angels are singing harmoniously. I wonder if I am imagining the music in every word or it's for real.
Suddenly the setting is strange
As I think of you, I am instantly transported to a different place in my mind - a serene waterfront lit by the moon, with waves crashing to the shore.
I can see water and moonlight beaming
In my mind, I see the water body glimmering in the moonlight, and I can perceive the peacefulness of the scene just like I can feel the weightless gush of the sea breeze.
Silver waves that break on some undiscovered shore
The rippling waves of the sea are so enchanting, and as they break on the shoreline beneath the moon, it's like the shore is unexplored, a place of adventure.
Then suddenly I see it all change
My vision of the serene setting suddenly shifts, and now I visualize a snowy setting with gleaming candles in the dark.
Long winter nights with the candles gleaming
I picture the chilly winter evenings with candles radiating a soft glow that fills the room with warmth and calmness even as the cold air presses in.
Through it all your face that I adore
Amidst all these musings, your delightful face still remains with me, always a constant reminder of the love that I hold for you.
You smile and the angels sing
Whenever you grace me with that charming smile of yours, it's like the angels harmonize into a choir that resonates in my being.
And though it's just a gentle murmur at the start
As we proceed to kiss, the melody of the angels starts with a gentle murmur.
We kiss and the angels sing
The moment our lips touch, the angels burst into a sweet song that reverberates through every corner of our hearts and souls, leaving their music ringing in us.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ZIGGY ELMAN, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
Fantastically different from arranger Jimmy Mundy's treatment of this Ziggy Elman concoction for the Goodman band, this version is great in its own distinctly Basie way! Some marvelous pianistic minimalism from the leader, a cracking solo from the great Buck Clayton, a swinging vocal from the underrated Helen Humes -- but my favorite part of all is Lester, my top tenor saxophonist, on the bridge of the opening chorus.