John Haley "Zoot" Sims (October 29, 1925 - March 23, 1985) was an American … Read Full Bio ↴John Haley "Zoot" Sims (October 29, 1925 - March 23, 1985) was an American jazz saxophonist.

He was born in Inglewood, California. Sims' family was involved in vaudeville, and, for his part, John learned to play both drums and clarinet at an early age. Zoot's father was a vaudeville hoofer, and Zoot prided himself on remembering many of the steps his father taught him.

Following in the footsteps of Lester Young, Sims developed into an innovative tenor saxophonist. Throughout his career, he played with renowned bands, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. He was known among his peers as one of the strongest swingers in the field. Sims frequently led his own combos and sometimes toured with his friend Gerry Mulligan with Gerry's sextet, and later with his Concert Jazz Band. Zoot had a long, successful partnership as co-leader of a quintet with Al Cohn, which recorded under "Al and Zoot". That group was a favorite at the New York club "The Half Note." Late in his career, Sims added the soprano saxophone to his performances. Sims' nickname — Zoot — was acquired early in his career while he was on the Kenny Baker band in California. The name was later appropriated for a sax-playing Muppet.

Zoot Sims died in New York on March 23, 1985.

(2) Throughout his career, Zoot Sims was famous for epitomizing the swinging musician, never playing an inappropriate phrase. He always sounded inspired, and although his style did not change much after the early 1950s, Zoot's enthusiasm and creativity never wavered.

Zoot's family was involved in vaudeville, and he played drums and clarinet as a youth. His older brother, Ray Sims, developed into a fine trombonist who sounded like Bill Harris. At age 13, Sims switched permanently to the tenor, and his initial inspiration was Lester Young, although he soon developed his own cool-toned sound. Sims was a professional by the age of 15, landing his first important job with Bobby Sherwood's Orchestra, and he joined Benny Goodman's big band for the first time in 1943; he would be one of BG's favorite tenormen for the next 30 years. He recorded with Joe Bushkin in 1944, and even at that early stage, his style was largely set.

After a period in the Army, Sims was with Goodman from 1946-1947. He gained his initial fame as one of Woody Herman's "Four Brothers" during his time with the Second Herd (1947-1949). Zoot had brief stints with Buddy Rich's short-lived big band, Artie Shaw, Goodman (1950), Chubby Jackson, and Elliot Lawrence. He toured and recorded with Stan Kenton (1953) and Gerry Mulligan (1954-1956). Sims was also a star soloist with Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band of the early '60s and visited the Soviet Union with Benny Goodman in 1962. A freelancer throughout most of his career, Sims often led his own combos or co-led bands with his friend Al Cohn; the two tenors had very similar sounds and styles. Zoot started doubling on soprano quite effectively in the '70s. Through the years, he appeared in countless situations, and always seemed to come out ahead. Fortunately, Zoot Sims recorded frequently, leading sessions for Prestige, Metronome, Vogue, Dawn, Storyville, Argo, ABC-Paramount, Riverside, United Artists, Pacific Jazz, Bethlehem, Colpix, Impulse, Groove Merchant, Famous Door, Choice, Sonet, and a wonderful series for Pablo. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi

Don
Zoot Sims Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't worry 'bout me
I'll get along
Forget about me
Just be happy my love

Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way

And still be friends

Look out for yourself
That should be the rule
Give your heart and your love
To whomever you love
Darlin' don't be a fool

Why do we cling to this old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then don't worry 'bout me

Why should we cling to some old faded thing
That used to be

So if you can forget
Then you don't worry 'bout me

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" by Zoot Sims is a jazz standard that was first recorded in 1942. The lyrics describe a breakup between two individuals, with one suggesting that they move on and forget about each other. The song's opening line "Don't worry 'bout me, I'll get along" expresses a sense of independence and self-sufficiency on the part of the singer. They are telling their partner not to worry about them moving on and finding happiness without them.

As the song progresses, the singer suggests that they end their relationship on a mature and amicable note. They suggest that they "still be friends" and that it is best to "call it a day the sensible way." However, they also caution their partner to "look out for yourself" and not to be foolish with their heart and love. They acknowledge that the relationship is over and that it is time to move on, but they also encourage their partner to be cautious and mindful of their emotions.

The final lines of the song suggest that there is no need to hold onto something that has faded away. The singer tells their partner that if they can forget about them, then they should do so and not worry about how they are doing. Overall, the song has a bittersweet tone, acknowledging the pain of a breakup but also encouraging a sense of moving forward and letting go.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't worry 'bout me
Do not fret about my wellbeing

I'll get along
I will manage to survive

Forget about me
Erase all memories of me

Just be happy my love
Experience joy, my dear

Let's say that our little show is over
Accept that our time together has ended

And so the story ends
Thus, the tale concludes

Why not call it a day the sensible way
End it amicably and rationally

And still be friends
Continue to be on amicable terms

Look out for yourself
Prioritize your own interests

That should be the rule
This ought to be the norm

Give your heart and your love
Offer your affection and devotion