Donaldson attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro in the early 1940s. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was trained at the Great Lakes bases in Chicago, where he was introduced to bop music in the lively club scene there. At the war's conclusion, he returned to Greensboro, where he worked club dates with the Rhythm Vets, a combo composed of A and T students who had served in the U.S. Navy. The band recorded the soundtrack to a musical comedy featurette, "Pitch a Boogie Woogie," in Greenville, North Carolina, in the summer of 1947. The movie had a limited run at black audience theatres in 1948 but its production company, Lord-Warner Pictures, folded and never made another film. "Pitch a Boogie Woogie" was subsequently restored by the American Film Institute in 1985 and re-premiered on the campus of East Carolina University in Greenville the following year. Donaldson and the surviving members of the Vets performed a reunion concert after the film's showing. In the documentary made on "Pitch" by UNC-TV, "Boogie in Black and White", Donaldson and his musical cohorts recall the film's making—he originally believed that he had played clarinet on the soundtrack. A short piece of concert footage from a gig in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is included in the documentary.
Donaldson's first jazz recordings were with the Charlie Singleton Orchestra in 1950 and then with bop emissaries Milt Jackson and Thelonious Monk in 1952, and he participated in several small groups with other jazz luminaries such as trumpeter Blue Mitchell, pianist Horace Silver and drummer Art Blakey.
In 1953, he also recorded sessions with the trumpet virtuoso Clifford Brown, and Philly Joe Jones.
He was a member of Art Blakey's Quintet and appeared on some of their best regarded albums, including the two albums recorded at Birdland in February 1954 Night at Birdland.
Donaldson has recorded in the bop, hard bop, and soul jazz genres. For many years his pianist was Herman Foster.
He was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame on October 11, 2012.
Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky
Lou Donaldson Lyrics
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The lyrics of Lou Donaldson's song, "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky" conveys the message of resilience and self-confidence in one's abilities. The singer appears to be announcing his decision to embrace a particular style of music - funk - and promises that his every endeavor will reflect this choice. He declares, "If I'm cooking, you know it's gonna be greasy" which suggests that whatever he does, he's going to do it well and with an unmistakable flair. The song also acknowledges the challenges that come with pursuing a unique path, but the singer is undeterred, as he confidently reminds the listener to "remember, don't you worry about losing your mind 'cause I'm staying funky all the time."
Furthermore, "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky" is an infectious declaration of self-affirmation and a celebration of one's unique path in life. It encourages listeners to embrace their eccentricities and be confident in their abilities. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo also contribute to its feel-good vibe, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
everything I do gonh be funky
Every action or decision that I make will exude a distinct and soulful groove, indicative of my passion and dedication to the funky musical genre.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALLEN TOUSSAINT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind