Born John Vivian McVea in Los Angeles, California, and playing jazz in Los Angeles for several years, he joined Lionel Hampton's orchestra in 1940. From 1944 on he mostly worked as a leader. Perhaps his most impressive performance as a sideman in those years was at the first Jazz at the Philharmonic concert in 1944. From 1966 till his retirement in the 1980s he led a group which played traditional jazz at Disneyland, called "The Royal Street Bachelors" in New Orleans Square.
McVea was leader of the Black & White Records studio band and was responsible for coming up with the musical riff for the words "Open the Door, Richard". Ralph Bass got him to record it in 1946 and it became immensely popular, entering the national charts the following year, and was recorded by many other artists.
He is also known for his playing on T-Bone Walker's "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just As Bad)." McVea also played on 1945's "Slim's Jam" by Slim Gaillard alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
McVea died in December 2000, at the age of 86
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Jack McVea Lyrics
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And I had nothing but shadows
Then one morning you passed
And I brightened at last
Now I greet the day and complete the day
With the sun in my heart
All my worry blew away
When you taught me how to say
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I'm not afraid
This Rover crossed over
If I never have a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
Grab your street
On The Sunny Side Of The Street is a classic song that celebrates the transformative power of love. The opening lines of the song describe a state of melancholy, of walking and talking with no one, with nothing but shadows for companionship. The arrival of a love interest changes all of this - the singer brightens up and greets the day with the sun in their heart. The song encourages the listener to leave all worries behind, to put on their coat and hat and step out into the sun, to let the happy pitter-patter of their feet be the tune of their step. The second verse speaks of the transformative effect love can have, with a reference to crossing over from a life of sadness to one of joy.
The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but incredibly effective in conveying the power of love to brighten up one's life. The song has been covered several times by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, and remains a much-loved standard in the jazz canon.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I was all alone and had no one to talk to
And I had nothing but shadows
My life was full of darkness and sadness
Then one morning you passed
But then you came into my life
And I brightened at last
And everything became brighter and more positive
Now I greet the day and complete the day
I start the day with enthusiasm and end it feeling fulfilled
With the sun in my heart
I feel happy and optimistic
All my worry blew away
My worries disappeared
When you taught me how to say
Because you taught me how to be positive and happy
Grab your coat and get your hat
Get ready to go outside
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Don't bring your worries with you
Just direct your feet
Go straight ahead
To the sunny side of the street
Towards the bright, positive side of life
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Can't you feel the excitement?
And that happy tune is your step
You're walking with a spring in your step
Life can be so sweet
Life can be wonderful and joyful
On the sunny side of the street
When you're looking at the bright side of things
I used to walk in the shade
I used to be pessimistic and sad
With those blues on parade
My sadness was on display for all to see
But I'm not afraid
But now I'm not scared anymore
This Rover crossed over
I have overcome my sadness and negativity
If I never have a cent
Even if I don't have a lot of money
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I would feel wealthy and blessed
Gold dust at my feet
I would feel surrounded by abundance
On the sunny side of the street
When I look at the bright side of things
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind