Stacy was born Jesse Alexandria Stacy in Bird's Point, Missouri, a small village across the Mississippi River from Cairo, Illinois. He grew up along the Mississippi river and initially played on riverboats,
In the 1920s he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he made a name for himself playing with Paul Mares. Later he worked with Benny Goodman and performed with him at Carnegie Hall in 1938. The Carnegie Hall performance has gained attention due to an unplanned, yet widely praised, solo by Jess during "Sing Sing Sing". His solo performance will live forever as a new generation marvels at the compact discs of that concert.
Stacy also spent time with the bands of Bob Crosby, Horace Heidt, and Tommy Dorsey and recorded with Eddie Condon. He put together a big band of his own and recorded with Lee Wiley to whom he was married for a time. By the late 1940s he moved to California, his career declined to mostly club work and he eventually retired from public playing. For a time, he worked as a salesman for Max Factor cosmetics. That is until the 1950 recording of the Carnegie Hall concert came out and there was renewed interest in the man’s playing, and a realisation that he was a genius. He returned to playing again in 1974 and produced Stacy Still Swings in 1977. The years after that included compilations and some club work. He died of congestive heart failure in Los Angeles, California.
Since his death in 1995 he has gained new attention and honors. In 1996 he was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame and in 1998 a biography of him titled Jess Stacy: the Quiet Man of Jazz. a Biography and Discography ISBN 0-9638890-4-4 by Derek Coller came out.
Sing Sing Sing
Jess Stacy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now you're singin' with a swing
Sing sing sing, sing, everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin' with a swing.
When the music goes around,
Everybody's goes go to town.
But here is one thing you should know
Now you're singin with a swing
Swing swing swing swing, listen to the trumpet swing
Blow blow blow blow, listen to the trombones go
When the music goes around,
Everybody's goes go to town.
But here is one thing you should know
Sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Everybody go!
Sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin with a swing
Sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Now you're singin with a swing
Swing swing swing, everybody start to swing
Now your swingin while you sing
When the music goes around, everybody goes to town
Just relax and take is slow
SIng sing
Start singing, keep swinging
Now you're singing with a swing
Jess Stacy's song "Sing Sing Sing" is a celebration of music, dance, and community. The repeated phrase "sing, sing, sing" invites listeners to join in the joyous chorus and "start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah" - an infectious melody that encourages everyone to let go and sing with abandon. The mention of "swing" emphasizes the upbeat tempo and playful spirit of the song, inviting listeners to not only sing but to also start swinging their bodies to the music.
The lyrics underscore the unifying power of music, as "when the music goes around, everybody goes go to town." The song encourages listeners to let go of their worries and just enjoy life, reminding them to "relax and take it slow." The trumpet and trombone solos in the middle of the song further demonstrate the instrumental virtuosity and improvised playfulness that characterize the jazz genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Sing, sing, sing, sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Everyone should sing joyfully while using their voice as a musical instrument
Now you're singin' with a swing
You are using the rhythm of the music to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere
Swing swing swing swing, listen to the trumpet swing
Pay attention to the lively music being played by the trumpet player
Blow blow blow blow, listen to the trombones go
Take notice of the trombone players and their musical abilities
When the music goes around, Everybody's goes go to town
Once the lively music is playing, everyone will be inspired to dance and sing along
Sing sing sing sing everybody start to sing like dee dee dee, bah bah bah dah
Everyone should join in singing with enthusiasm and in harmony
Everybody go!
Let loose and enjoy the music to the fullest extent
Swing swing swing, everybody start to swing
Let the rhythm of the music inspire you to dance
Now your swingin while you sing
The combination of singing and dancing creates an enjoyable experience
Just relax and take is slow
Don't rush the experience, take your time and enjoy it fully
SIng sing
Keep singing and having fun
Start singing, keep swinging
Combine singing with dancing and continue to enjoy the rhythm of the music
Now you're singing with a swing
The combination of singing and dancing creates an enjoyable experience
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOUIS PRIMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MaxCruise73
I have listened to the beautiful piano solo many times.
I am still amazed how Gene Krupa was so musically astute to not overshadow Jess Stacy. His drumming was quiet and thoughtful, all the while maintaining the beat.
Steven Heywood
It’s still a haunting piece of piano playing even after 82 years. 👍
Disques Swing 13
This is one of the greatest jazz solos ever played or recorded. It's feels like an interlude of classical music in the middle of a jazz standard.
Quinn McKim
You seen nothing yet man
eric1939N
Stacy turned Sing Sing Sing into a two-minute classical piano piece. Masterly.
Tony Barnard
As a professional musician I remain in awe at the brilliance of this solo. I agree that it stands as the finest improvised piano jazz solo of all time. I wonder if Jess realized that after hearing the playback. It is surely Jess Stacy's legacy. Unforgettable and unbeatable.
Paule Deneau
Someone much earlier on YouTube wrote this nifty tribute to Jess Stacey's cosmic piano solo..can't recall exact quote but "in the midst of the thunderous clamor and chaos Jess cuts a swath.of piano notes clean and sharp as a scalpel." I bought this album in the late 50's and it was the cornerstone to my American
Music education. I was born in '38 so it is my time on earth too. A toast to music for 2020 and for all music to come.
Woodknot Design
There's something melancholy and yet light about his phrasing. In the middle of the boisterously raucous Sing,sing,sing! Amazing! Thanks for isolating the solo so I can repeat over and over.
James Scott
I play this piece once every other day💕💕💕
Larry Donovan
I've just listened to this again,after many previous listenings.I never tire of hearing this brilliant solo.Otherworldly indeed! Thanks to Christopher for extracting it from the Sing Sing Sing recording so that I can hear it so often.