Hodges was apparently aware of this effect, leaving the Ellington orchestra in the 1950's, to be replaced by the stellar alto man, Willie Smith, formerly the lead alto star of the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. This situation somehow benefitted neither Ellington or Hodges, with the Ellington orchestra losing a certain luster despite Mr. Smith's excellence, and with major stardom just beyond Mr. Hodges' reach.
Luckily for the listener the recordings Mr. Hodges left behind as a leader, while arguably eluding stardom for the artist at the time, are nonpareil examples of relaxed swing, subtle inflection and perfect phrasing, peerless tone and seemingly effortless technique. More luck for the listener, Mr. Hodges later rejoined the Ellington fold, returning a signature sound to the orchestra's unique palette for many years after.
It has been reported that the Ellington orchestra worked nearly 365 days a year. When asked about this grueling schedule Mr. Ellington said something to the effect that he would settle for nothing less than the finest artists for his orchestra. What with the necessarily high salaries accorded an orchestra of virtuosos, the band had to work often in order to survive. Certainly no one in the Ellington orchestra more exemplified Mr. Ellington's highest standards than Johhny Hodges.
Medley
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you are far away from me
Just a little something, meaning love cannot die
No matter where you chance to be
So I'll pray for you, night and day for you
It will see me through like a charm 'til you return
So give me something I can remember you by
So I'll pray for you, every single day for you
It will see me through like a charm until you return
Give me something, something to remember you by
When you are far away from me
The first verse of Johnny Hodges's Medley: Am I Blue / Something to Remember You By talks about the desire for something to remember a loved one by when they are far away. The singer invokes the concept of "something" from the second verse onwards, asking the subject to leave them with a little something to ensure that their love will not die, no matter where they are.
The second verse highlights the singer's devotion to the subject, stating that they will pray for them both day and night until they return. The third verse repeats the same sentiment, emphasizing the singer's need for a physical item that will remind them of the loved one when they are not there.
Overall, the lyrics of Medley: Am I Blue / Something to Remember You By are a declaration of love and an expression of longing for the presence of the person the singer adores. It showcases the universal desire to hold on to a connection, be it through a physical object, memories or prayer.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, give me something to remember you by
I want something to hold onto and remember you by when you're not with me
When you are far away from me
When you're not here by my side
Just a little something, meaning love cannot die
A small memento that symbolizes our love will never fade away
No matter where you chance to be
No matter where life takes you
So I'll pray for you, night and day for you
I'll be thinking of you constantly and sending positive thoughts your way
It will see me through like a charm 'til you return
My love and prayers will help me get through the time until we're back together
So give me something I can remember you by
I want a physical reminder of our love that I can hold onto
So I'll pray for you, every single day for you
I'll think of you and pray for you every day without fail
Give me something, something to remember you by
I want something tangible to keep and cherish as a symbol of our love
When you are far away from me
When you're not physically present with me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ARTHUR SCHWARTZ, HOWARD DIETZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Martin Miller
FYI:
Baritone Saxophone – Harry Carney
Bass – Jimmy Woode
Cover – David Stone Martin
Drums – Sonny Greer
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Hamilton
Trombone – Lawrence Brown
Trumpet – Clark Terry
The Johnny Hodges signature ballad "Passion Flower" follows "Polka Dots & Moonbeams" in this medley.
Sergio Ignacio Labbe
Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkings are my favorites and now I have an other one; Johnny Hodges. I didn´t know him., a virtuoso !
c m b
billy strayhorn on piano
Joseph Maynor, Development Work, Intellect Mastery
This might be the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Johnny Hodges is such an incredible stylist.