The guys auditioned for the seminal music team of Leiber and Stoller, who gave the group its name in 1960. In the manner of the time, Leiber and Stoller wanted to extend this to "Binky Jones and the Americans", but Traynor declined to be known as "Binky Jones" his whole career. He instead offered up "Jay", a family nickname, and it suited everyone.
They first hit the Billboard charts in 1962 with the tune "She Cried". Later covered by several other artists, the track's highest charting was #5, inspiring the group. The next two singles didn't fare nearly as well, however, and John Traynor left the band. David Black (né David Blatt) of The Empires took his place (after first agreeing to adopt the name Jay Black), and Empires guitarist Marty Sanders also joined. Black sang lead for the rest of the group's existence.
They returned to the charts in 1963 with "Only In America", a song originally meant for The Drifters. Other notable hits for the Americans were "Come a Little Bit Closer" in 1964, which hit #3, and "Cara Mia" in 1965, which hit #4. The Americans also recorded a commercial for H.I.S. Slacks, and a public service announcement for the Ad Council, featuring a backing track by Brian Wilson and Phil Spector.
In 1968, they recorded an album of their favorite oldies remade fresh, called Sands of Time, and its single was "This Magic Moment", which also came through the Drifters. That track proved to be the last Top Ten record for the group. However, the band's follow-up album, titled 'Wax Museum', yielded the #19 hit "Walkin' In The Rain". First recorded by The Ronettes, the emotive love song has remained a classic on oldies themed stations along with the group's earlier work.
Their next singles failed to chart, nonetheless, and the band grew apart. The demand for live appearances remained. While the other members moved on to solo musical careers in 1973, Jay Black continued to perform as "Jay and the Americans" or "Jay Black and the Americans" until the 1980s, with a variety of musicians, including Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who would later found Steely Dan. ."
The group reunited in the 1990s for special performances, most notably the 45 Years of Motown special on PBS.
in 2006, Jay Black filed for bankruptcy due to gambling debts, and his ownership of the name "Jay & The Americans" was sold by the bankruptcy trustee to Sandy Deanne (Yaguda), Black's former band mate and original member of Jay & The Americans for $100,000 to pay Black's debts. With the name purchase, former members Deanne, Howard Kane, and Marty Sanders reunited, and recruited a sound-alike singer from Chicago, coincidentally nicknamed "Jay." Thus, John "Jay" Reincke became the third "Jay" and the band returned to playing both national and international music venues. Their show covers the history of Jay and The Americans, acknowledging all three Jays and featuring all of the top hits in their original arrangements.
David Blatt still tours under his stage name, "Jay Black". Kenny Vance is currently the lead singer of Kenny Vance and the Planotones, a neo-doo wop band that he formed in the 1970s. After leaving the group, John Traynor recorded a handful of songs on the Coral label, including "I Rise, I Fall" in 1964. None were hits, but "I Rise, I Fall" became a minor hit for Johnny Tillotson. The label billed Traynor as "JAY formerly of Jay and the Americans." Traynor now tours with Jay Siegel's Tokens.
'Til
Jay & The Americans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
January's slow, February snow
Spring it takes so long, summer's hardly gone
And I can't wait
I can hardly wait for Christmas
While it's Christmas time, our problems disappear
Are going through our mind
Seems like every one is filled with love and cheer
They find a way, a reason to be kind
That is why we love this time of the year, 'cause
January's slow (slow) and February snow
(Spring takes so long) spring it takes so long, summer's hardly gone
'Cause I can't wait
I can hardly wait for Christmas
Mm, I wish this feeling would last the whole year through
When it's Christmas time, you give for the heart, ooh
Seems like everyone is filled with love and cheer
Some way we find a reason to be kind
That is why we love this time of the year, 'cause
January's slow (slow), February snow
Spring it takes too long, summer's almost gone
And I can't wait
I can hardly wait for Christmas
Autumn's on its way (way) and then Thanksgiving day
December's finally here, because it's a special time of year
And I can't wait
I can hardly wait for Christmas
January's slow, February snow
Spring it takes too long, summer's almost gone
And I can't wait
I can hardly wait for Christmas
Autumn's on its way, and then Thanksgiving day
December's finally here, because it's a special time of year
I can't wait
I can hardly want for Christmas
In the lyrics of Jay & The Americans' song 'Til, the singer expresses their anticipation and excitement for the holiday season, particularly for Christmas. The opening lines convey a sense of impatience as they navigate through the slow-moving months of January, the cold of February, the drawn-out wait for spring, and the fleeting nature of summer. The repetition of "I can hardly wait for Christmas" emphasizes the singer's eagerness for the joyous holiday to arrive.
The lyrics illustrate that Christmas brings about a magical transformation where problems seem to fade away, and people are filled with love and cheer. The holiday season serves as a time for special thoughts and acts of kindness, and it is described as a time when individuals find ways to show compassion and goodwill towards others. The lyrics capture the sentiment that Christmas is a time for bringing people together and embracing the spirit of generosity and love.
The wish for the Christmas feeling to last throughout the year reflects a desire for the sense of unity and joy that comes with the holiday season to be a constant presence in everyday life. The idea that during Christmas time, people give from the heart underscores the importance of showing love and compassion towards one another, not just during the holidays but all year round. The lyrics highlight the power of love, kindness, and compassion in creating a sense of togetherness and unity during the festive season.
As the song progresses, the mention of autumn, Thanksgiving, and the arrival of December further solidify the excitement and anticipation for Christmas. The repetition of the refrain "I can hardly wait for Christmas" conveys the singer's increasing eagerness as the holiday draws near. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth associated with the holiday season, portraying it as a special time of the year that brings people together and fosters a spirit of love, kindness, and generosity.
Line by Line Meaning
I can hardly wait for Christmas
Anticipation builds as Christmas approaches, a time of joy and love.
While it's Christmas time, our problems disappear
During the holiday season, our worries fade away as we focus on the spirit of giving and happiness.
All these special thoughts are going through our mind
We are filled with positive and loving thoughts during this festive time.
Seems like every one is filled with love and cheer
People are filled with affection and happiness, spreading joy to others around them.
They find a way, a reason to be kind
During this time, people find ways to show kindness and generosity towards one another.
That is why we love this time of the year, 'cause
The Christmas season is cherished because of the love and goodwill it brings.
I wish this feeling would last the whole year through
The warm and loving atmosphere of Christmas is something we wish could be present all year round.
When it's Christmas time, you give for the heart, ooh
During the holidays, giving from the heart is a central theme, bringing joy to both the giver and the receiver.
Some way we find a reason to be kind
In some way, we are inspired to show kindness and compassion to others.
Autumn's on its way, and then Thanksgiving day
As fall approaches and Thanksgiving nears, we anticipate the arrival of the festive Christmas season.
December's finally here, because it's a special time of year
As December arrives, we welcome the month with excitement and joy, recognizing it as a special time filled with love and celebration.
I can hardly want for Christmas
The eagerness and excitement for Christmas is almost overwhelming, as we look forward to the joy and love the holiday brings.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Eddie Levert, Dwain Mitchell, Walter Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind