The … Read Full Bio ↴Rhoda Scott (b. ca. 1939) is an African-American Jazz organist.
The daughter of an AME minister, Scott spent much of her childhood in New Jersey, where she learned to play organ in the churches where her father served. Soon she herself was serving frequently as organist for youth and gospel choirs at her father's and other churches. Scott later studied classical piano, but she concentrated on the organ, eventually earning a Masters' degree in music theory from the Manhattan School of Music. By this time she had been asked by a choir member to fill in with a small band as a jazz pianist. Enjoying the music, she agreed to stay on with the band on condition that she be allowed to play organ instead of piano. Choosing as her instrument the Hammond Organ, she soon became a preeminent jazz musician.
Scott was first attracted to the organ in her father’s church at age seven. "It's really the most beautiful instrument in the world," she stated in a recent interview. "The first thing I did was take my shoes off and work the pedals."[1] From then on she always played her church organ in her bare feet, and to this date she has continued the practice, earning her nicknames such as "The Barefoot Lady" and "The Barefoot Contessa." Following her lead, many other performers of popular organ music now also play barefoot. Because of her church training, however, Scott uses the pedals to play a genuine bass line, unlike many other jazz organists, which allows her to use her left hand for more elaborate chord work.[2] The resulting music is an energetic fusion of musical styles that partakes of jazz, gospel, and classical, reflecting both Scott’s early experience and her formal training.
In 1967 Scott moved to France, where she has since spent most of her career and earned recognition far greater than that accorded to her in the United States, though she often performs in the latter country as well.
On Green Dolphin Street
Rhoda Scott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
Romance was the theme
And we were the players
I never think of this without a sigh
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
On Green Dolphin Street
In Rhoda Scott's song "On Green Dolphin Street," the singer reminisces about a lost love. The beginning lines describe the relationship as dreamlike, but also confirms that it truly took place. The brief encounter between the singer and their lover was set against a romantic backdrop of Green Dolphin Street. The singer claims to be unable to think about this experience without sighing, highlighting the importance and bitterness of the memory.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that the love between the singer and their lover was unexpected but powerful enough to plan on staying. Once more, the setting of Green Dolphin Street is brought up as the place where unforgettable moments were shared. The memories of this relationship continue to live in the singer's heart, even though they're no longer together. Ultimately, the singer cherishes the love they found on Green Dolphin Street so much that they claim they could kiss the ground the street is on.
Overall, "On Green Dolphin Street" is a song about bittersweet memories of love and longing. The wistfulness in the lyrics is heightened by the soothing melody, making it a melancholic yet comforting song to listen to.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
Although it feels like a surreal experience in my head, I still remember that it did happen
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
It was a brief romantic encounter between a man and a woman, followed by a farewell
Romance was the theme
The essence of this experience was focused on romance and love
And we were the players
The two individuals involved in this love affair were active participants in this romantic story
I never think of this without a sigh
Whenever I reminisce about this experience, I tend to let out a deep sigh
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
This romantic encounter took place on a street called 'Green Dolphin Street'
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
The atmosphere and ambiance of Green Dolphin Street created unforgettable and timeless memories
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
Despite being apart from each other, the memories of this experience continue to live on in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
Whenever I recollect the love that I experienced
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
Green Dolphin Street holds such a special place in my heart that I could even kiss the ground there
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC., BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRONISLAW KAPER, NED WASHINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind