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.
Whispering
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
I know it drives you crazy
When I pretend you don't exist
When I'd like to lean in close
And run my hands against your lips
Still I sense there's a rapport
So whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
I know you see me see you
As you see me walk on past
When there's nothing more I'd like to do
Then come in close and hear you laugh
Though we haven't even spoken
Still I sense there's a rapport
So whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Yea whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Hmm whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
In Johnny Hodges's song "Whispering," the lyrics convey a sense of attraction and intrigue between two individuals. The singer starts off by assuring the person they are admiring that they are not openly looking at them, describing them as "gorgeous and dressed in blue." The singer acknowledges the effect they have on the person, driving them crazy when they pretend not to notice their presence. There is a desire to be closer and touch them, even though they haven't spoken yet.
Despite the lack of verbal communication, there seems to be an unspoken connection or understanding between the two. The singer requests the person to whisper their phone number, suggesting a desire to establish a personal connection and take the interaction beyond their current situation. The repetition of the phrase "whisper me your number, I'll call you up at home" reinforces the yearning to progress the relationship.
This song captures the fleeting and electric moments of attraction, where words may not be necessary to convey interest and desire. The lyrics provide a glimpse into the singer's thoughts and emotions, painting a picture of a magnetic connection between two individuals who are drawn to each other despite the lack of verbal communication.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Although you may think I am unaware, I am deliberately averting my gaze from you.
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
You captivate me with your stunning appearance, adorned in a lovely blue attire.
I know it drives you crazy
I am aware that my behavior causes you to feel agitated and unsettled.
When I pretend you don't exist
My act of feigning ignorance towards your presence intensifies your internal turmoil.
When I'd like to lean in close and run my hands against your lips
Despite my outward pretense, my true desire is to intimately approach you and experience the sensation of caressing your lips.
Though we haven't even spoken
Despite the absence of verbal communication between us, a profound connection seems to emanate.
Still I sense there's a rapport
Nevertheless, I can perceive a mutual understanding and harmony existing between us.
So whisper me your number
Therefore, reveal to me your contact information in a hushed tone.
I'll call you up at home
Rest assured, I will initiate communication by phoning you in the comfort of your own abode.
I know you see me see you
I am aware of your awareness as you perceive me observing you.
As you see me walk on past
While you witness my departure, walking by without direct interaction.
When there's nothing more I'd like to do
Despite appearing aloof, my true desire encompasses nothing but an intimate connection with you.
Then come in close and hear you laugh
I yearn to be in close proximity, indulging in the melodic sound of your laughter.
Whisper me your number
In a tender voice, share with me your contact details.
I'll call you up at home
Taking the initiative, I will make the effort to contact you within the comfort of your residence.
Hmm whisper me your number
Expressing a pondering sound, kindly disclose your telephone number to me in a low tone.
I'll call you up at home
By actively engaging in communication, I will reach out to you at your place of dwelling.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Richard Coburn, Vincent Rose, John Schonberger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Henri de Lagardère
00:00 [1] The Ballad Medley:
[1.1] 00:00 Whispering (Harry Carney - bs)
[1.2] 01:48 Tenderly (Clark Terry - tp)
[1.3] 04:12 Don't Take Your Love from Me (Jimmy Hamilton - cl)
[1.4] 06:23 But Not for Me (Lawrence Brown - tb)
[1.5] 08:35 Prelude to a Kiss (Billy Strayhorn - p)
[1.5] 10:35 Polka Dots and Moonbeams (Jimmy Woode - b)
[1.6] 13:01 Passion Flower (Johnny Hodges - as)
15:37 [2] Scufflin'
24:00 [3] Honey Bunny
30:47 [4] Passion (aka A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing)
34:14 [5] Pretty Little Girl (aka The Star-Crossed Lovers)
36:46 [6] No Use Kicking
Aaron S.
Exquisite! This album just lifts your spirits. It’s so gay and romantic and exultant. It makes my soul dance. I can’t expound on it enough. These are musicians at the top of their game!
Henri de Lagardère
00:00 [1] The Ballad Medley:
[1.1] 00:00 Whispering (Harry Carney - bs)
[1.2] 01:48 Tenderly (Clark Terry - tp)
[1.3] 04:12 Don't Take Your Love from Me (Jimmy Hamilton - cl)
[1.4] 06:23 But Not for Me (Lawrence Brown - tb)
[1.5] 08:35 Prelude to a Kiss (Billy Strayhorn - p)
[1.5] 10:35 Polka Dots and Moonbeams (Jimmy Woode - b)
[1.6] 13:01 Passion Flower (Johnny Hodges - as)
15:37 [2] Scufflin'
24:00 [3] Honey Bunny
30:47 [4] Passion (aka A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing)
34:14 [5] Pretty Little Girl (aka The Star-Crossed Lovers)
36:46 [6] No Use Kicking
Toria Lamp
6:50 is absolutely beautiful and i cant get enough of it i finally know who my favorite jazz artist is
cadottnews
This was my first Johnny Hodges album on vinyl. Wore it out! He's got honey in his mouth.
Jack Sprat
Just found this tasty gem. Such a rare compilation of harmony and grace that swings. Makes me want to dance in my chair and tap my feet to the beat.
Cat Food
Now that's what I call Real music! Honey to my ears!!!
austinhinchey
Johnny Hodges and his orchestra: What a Stars' Team! My Goodness!!!
James Harold Brodie
Yes Johnny Hodges led his own orchestra from 1951 to 1955. All personnels here were also with Duke Ellington.
Max Crowe
I’m flabbergasted that I’ve never heard this before now. Thanks very much 🙏
John Gallo
Creamy and Dreamy... always loved Johnny's pure tone...aahhh.. 🌴🎶🌟🌜🌠☀💜☮🌈