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.
Moon Glow
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
I still hear you sayin', "Dear one, hold me fast"
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
We seemed to float right through the air
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
It must have been moonglow, way up in the blue
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
I still hear you sayin', "Sweet child, hold me fast"
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
We seemed to float right through the air
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
And now when there's moonglow, way up in the blue
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
The lyrics of Johnny Hodges' song, "Moon Glow," describe a romantic encounter fueled by the mystical energy of "moonglow." The singer reflects on the moment when he first met his lover, stating that he was led to her by the soft blue light that emanated from the moon. In the opening lines of the song, he muses that the moonglow must have been responsible for bringing him to her, as he couldn't have found her any other way.
As the song progresses, the singer reminisces about holding his lover tightly and feeling as though he was floating through the air. Music seems to come from all directions in a heavenly chorus, adding to the surreal quality of the experience. The singer asks the Lord to let the moment last, as he wants to hold onto the magic of the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
It must have been moonglow, way up in the blue
Perhaps it was the serene and magical light of the moon high up in the sky
It must have been moonglow that led me straight to you
Maybe it was the subtle radiance of the moon that brought me closer to you
I still hear you sayin', "Dear one, hold me fast"
I can still vividly recall the sound of your voice, telling me to embrace you tightly
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
I keep on hoping and wishing that this moment would never end
We seemed to float right through the air
It looked as if we were effortlessly gliding through space and time
Heavenly songs seemed to come from everywhere
It felt like heavenly melodies were emanating from all around us
And now when there's moonglow, way up in the blue
Even now, when I see the moon shining above, I am reminded
I'll always remember, that moonglow gave me you
I will always be grateful for the moonlight that brought you into my life
I still hear you sayin', "Sweet child, hold me fast"
I can still hear your loving and caring words telling me to hold you close
And I keep on prayin', "Oh Lord, please let this last"
I keep on hoping and wishing that our love and happiness will endure forever
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: EDDIE DELANGE, IRVING MILLS, W HUDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jourwalis-8875
Duke Ellington is always Duke Ellington!
@benzo4029
The chic holding the record label / moon is sheer brilliance. Million dollar idea. You sir are a creative artist! Duke was a jazz legacy! Nobody like him! Thanks
@brucemercer8458
It doesn't get any better than this. Really wonderful photo background as well. Thank you so much.
@sambrinson6153
This music defines the times of the 20s and 30s when Ellington and his band ruled the jazz roost. They alone carried the jazz day for nightclub and ballroom dance entertainment at the time. Everything else in the jazz field was envy and copy. select band members gave the orchestrations and compositions of Ellington their unique interpretations. This in-turn placed Ellington at the top of the Jazz music playing poll, not to mention Ellington's unique handling of chordal structures, something only a few have been able to emulate to this day. When I was a young boy, I often heard of the many musicians that had abandoned their jazz music playing aspirations after hearing Ellington and his orchestra, Benny Goodman and his orchestra, Louis Armstrong and his hot 5, or solists like Bix Beiderbeck, Charlie Parker, or Lester Young play.
@jimthompson606
Thanks for the beautiful graphics to match the beautiful song.
@LouisePowles
Can't beat this music. Love it. x
@juliapollitt8291
Awesome
@edwardwilson7858
The intro here comprises the main theme of the 1939 "Serenade to Sweden'. A case of Ellington borrowing from himself!
@fermancriticonostalgio7743
A NICE WORK FOR BARNEY
@beaglybeagle
Yes, wonderful video. Lovely and evocative!