He … Read Full Bio ↴Najee Rasheed born in New York, NY is a Jazz/Smooth Jazz artist.
He was a member of Chaka Khan's band in 1983, (The Ain't Nobody Tour). In addition to all the saxophones (Tenor, Alto and Soprano), Najee is an accomplished flutist. He attended The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He is one of the first innovators of Urban Contemporary Jazz/Smooth Jazz, which grew in popularity throughout the 1990's to this day. His first 4 albums certified Gold by the RIAA. He was nominated for a Grammy in 1988 for "Najee's Theme". He won the Soul Train Music Awards in 1993 and 1995 for best Jazz Artist. Most recent awards include The NAACP Image Awards 2006 and the 2008 Trumpet Awards.
Najee has performed and recorded with other artists, including singers Freddie Jackson, Will Downing, Phil Perry, Prince, Patti Labelle, Phyllis Hyman, and Jeffrey Osborne. He has recorded and performed with instrumentalists Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, Billy Cobham, Charles Earland, Paul Jackson Jr. and George Duke. In 1998 He recorded a tribute album in honor of Stevie Wonder, featuring covers of songs from Wonder's 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life. He also played and toured with Prince from 2001 to 2003 and recorded The "Rainbow Children" CD and is featured on the "One Night Alone" (Live)CD. His greatest-hits album, The Best of Najee, was released in 1998.
Sir Duke
Najee Lyrics
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With a language we all understand
With an equal opportunity
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands
But just because a record has a groove
Don't make it in the groove
But you can tell right away at letter A
When the people start to move
They can feel it all over people
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
Music knows it is and always will
Be one of the things that life just won't quit
But here are some of music's pioneers
That time will not allow us to forget
For there's Basie, Miller, Sachmo
And the king of all Sir Duke
And with a voice like Ella's ringing out
There's no way the band can lose
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
I can feel it all over-all over now people
Can't you feel it all over
Come on let's feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
Everybody-all over people
Najee’s song “Sir Duke” is an ode to the power, universality, and timelessness of music. The lyrics open with the assertion that music is a world of its own, with a language that everyone can speak and understand, and that offers equal opportunities for everyone to join in and enjoy. The song declares that while certain records may try to embody the groove and style that defines music, they may fall short. However, there are certain musicians and singers who truly embody the essence of music, and this is where Sir Duke comes in.
As a pioneer of music, Sir Duke (referring to Duke Ellington) has rightfully earned his place among the greats, along with Basie, Miller, and Sachmo. The song pays tribute to the artists who have shaped the world of music, those legendary figures who have contributed to the richness of the art form, and whose influence endures through time. The chorus of the song emphasizes that feeling that music evokes – that connective power that permeates and reunites people regardless of their individual backgrounds.
Najee’s “Sir Duke” is an invitation to connect and to feel the universal and transformative power of music. It reminds us how inextricably intertwined music is with our collective human experience and how it can bring us together in joy and celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Music is a world within itself
Music is a self-sufficient world on its own
With a language we all understand
Music is a universal language that everyone understands
With an equal opportunity
Music doesn't discriminate, it gives the same opportunity to all
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands
Music is for everyone to sing, dance, and enjoy
But just because a record has a groove
A song with an appealing tune does not necessarily make it a hit
Don't make it in the groove
A song's success is not only dependent on its melody alone
But you can tell right away at letter A
You can tell if a song is a hit from its first note
When the people start to move
If people start moving to the music, then it's a hit
They can feel it all over
The energy and rhythm of the music are felt inside and out
Music knows it is and always will
Music is aware of its importance and will continue to be important
Be one of the things that life just won't quit
Music will always be a part of our lives
But here are some of music's pioneers
These next lines pay homage to some of music's legends
That time will not allow us to forget
These legends have made an indelible impact and should not be forgotten
For there's Basie, Miller, Sachmo
Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Louis Armstrong are music legends
And the king of all Sir Duke
Sir Duke, referring to the great Duke Ellington
And with a voice like Ella's ringing out
Ella Fitzgerald, one of the greatest singers of all time, is being referenced here
There's no way the band can lose
With such great talent, the band is sure to succeed
I can feel it all over-all over now people
The energy of the music is palpable
Can't you feel it all over
The music's energy is hard to ignore
Come on let's feel it all over people
Let's all embrace the energy of the music and enjoy it together
You can feel it all over
The energy and joy of the music are all around
Everybody-all over people
Everyone can enjoy the music no matter where they are
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind