Nance is best known for his long association with Duke Ellington through most of the 1940s and 1950s, after he was hired to replace Cootie Williams in 1940. Shortly after joining the band, Nance was given the trumpet solo on the first recorded version of "Take the "A" Train," which became the Ellington theme, a major hit and a jazz standard. Nance's "A Train" solo is one of the most copied and admired trumpet solos in jazz history. Indeed, when Cootie Williams returned to the band more than twenty years later, he would play Nance's solo on "A Train" almost exactly as the original.
Nance was often featured on violin and was the only violin soloist ever featured in Ellington's orchestra. He is also one of the well-known vocalists from the Ellington orchestra, having sung not the first version (that credit goes to Ivie Anderson), but arguably the definitive version of "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." It was his contribution to take the previously instrumental horn riff into the lead vocal, which constitute the now infamous, "Doo wha, doo wha, doo wha, doo wha, yeah!" He was often featured as vocalist on "Jump for Joy," "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'" and "Just Squeeze Me (But Please Don't Tease Me)". His multiple talents (trumpet, violin, vocals and also dancing) earned him the nickname "Floorshow".
He left the Ellington band in 1963 after having played alongside his predecessor Cootie Williams for a year. By that time, Nance had switched from trumpet to cornet.
Nance made a few recordings as a bandleader, and also recorded or performed with Earl Hines, Rosemary Clooney and others.
Take The "A" Train
Ray Nance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
The above lyrics of Ray Nance's song 'Take The A Train' call upon the importance of taking the A train to reach Sugar Hill in Harlem. Harlem is known for its rich cultural diversity and history, and Sugar Hill is a community within Harlem that is famous for attracting African American professionals and artists during the Harlem Renaissance. The lyrics emphasize the significance of taking the 'A' train by warning listeners that missing it would mean missing the quickest way to Harlem. The reference to the rumbling of the train triggers the listener's senses and imagination, creating an image of the excitement of arriving in a new place.
The message conveyed by the lyrics is not only about the literal method of transportation but also about the symbolism of the train journey. It is a reminder to individuals that sometimes, they must follow a specific path, even if they don't fully understand why. No matter how off-course they may be or seem to be, there is always a way back to the correct path if they follow the correct route.
Line by Line Meaning
You must take the "A" train
In order to reach Sugar Hill in Harlem, it is necessary for you to board the "A" train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem
The destination one seeks to reach by boarding the "A" train is Sugar Hill located in Harlem
If you miss the "A" train
In case you fail to catch the "A" train
You`ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem
You will realize that you missed the fastest mode of transportation that leads to Harlem
Hurry, get on, now it`s coming
Act quickly and board the train because it is approaching soon
Listen to those rails a-thrumming
Take heed of the sound that is created by the tracks when the train is in motion
All aboard, get on the "A" train
Board the "A" train and be ready to embark on a journey to Sugar Hill in Harlem
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem
Shortly after boarding the train, you will reach and arrive at Sugar Hill located in the Harlem district
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marcusumbris
I often return to this. Thanks so much for posting.
@KERSTEN27
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Sir Roland in NYC, at the Village Gate. He'd come to my table and talk to me and his conversation never failed to be less than engrossing.
@jesusonazareth4752
All those years on the bandstand listening to Johnny Hodges play ballads can be heard in Ray's violin playing here. I wish there were a whole album of violin / piano duets like this from Nance. And also some recordings of him playing in a Hot Club setting. He was a swinging cat on the strings!
@michaelshore2609
fyi this is from a whole LP of Ray on violin, with Sir Roland Hanna and other swinging cats, called "Body and Soul." It has one other duet with Sir Roland called "Tranquility" and it's absolutely delightful if you can find it.
@angelabryant8808
Gorgeous Ray. Love you!!!.
@Idiom59
This is how A train was played at Billy Strayhorns funeral in June 1967
@realnaju
Hermosa, tal y como la tocó en el funeral de Billy Strayhorn...
@mdhbigdog
Exquisite!
@ThelmaSFla
Mesmerizing!