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
How Long Has This Been Going On
Zoot Sims Lyrics
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Often I've had to caress men
Five or ten, dollars then, I'd collect from all those yes-men
Don't be sad, I must add, that they meant no more than chess-men
Darling, can't you see?
'Twas for charity?
Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious
I could cry salty tears
Where have I been all these years?
Little wow, tell me now
How long has this been goin' on?
There were chills up my spine
And some thrills I can't define
Listen sweet, I repeat
How long has this been goin' on?
Oh, I feel that I could melt
Into Heaven I'm hurled
I know how Columbus felt
Finding another world
Kiss me once, then once more
What a dunce I was before
What a break, for Heaven's sake
How long has this been goin' on?
Kiss me twice, once more, thrice, make it four
What a break, for Heaven's sake
How long has this been goin' on?
The lyrics to Zoot Sims's song How Long Has This Been Going On are rich in meaning and craftily constructed, telling a story of a person's journey to self-discovery, and unveiling secrets that they have been holding on to for a long time. In this song, Zoot sings about his past experiences, where he would caress men for money but justifies it as being for charity. He admits to his previous mistakes but claims that they were never serious. Zoot questions the length of time he has been living like this, shrouded in secrecy and decide to take a positive stance towards life by asking for affection and new meaningful experiences. He expresses his feeling of euphoria by comparing his experience to that of Columbus finding a new world.
The lyrics suggest that Zoot has been living in secrecy for a long time, and now he is ready to face the reality of who he is. He wants to feel loved and accepted, and he questions how long he has been going on without finding love. The journey of self-discovery is not without challenges and confusion. Zoot is vocal about the state of delirium that he finds himself in but still seeks affection and companionship.
In conclusion, How Long Has This Been Going On is a thought-provoking song about self-discovery, reflection, and honesty. The lyrics reveal the intrinsic struggles of a person trying to come to terms with who they are and how they are perceived by society. The song highlights the need for acceptance, understanding, and love in a world where people often hide behind secrecy.
Line by Line Meaning
Neath the stars, at bazaars Often I've had to caress men Five or ten, dollars then, I'd collect from all those yes-men Don't be sad, I must add, that they meant no more than chess-men
I've had to flirt with wealthy men for money in various social settings, but I didn't feel much for them - they were like pawns in a chess game.
Darling, can't you see? 'Twas for charity? Though these lips have made slips, it was never really serious Who'd have thought, I'd be brought to a state that's so delirious?
My past flirtations and relationships were never that serious, and most of them were just for charity events. But now I'm falling so deeply for someone that it's surprising and even overwhelming.
I could cry salty tears Where have I been all these years? Little wow, tell me now How long has this been goin' on?
I feel like I could cry because I've never felt this kind of attraction before. How long have I been missing out on this?
There were chills up my spine And some thrills I can't define Listen sweet, I repeat How long has this been goin' on?
I'm experiencing inexplicable thrills and chills from my intense attraction to you. Once again, how long has this been going on?
Oh, I feel that I could melt Into Heaven I'm hurled I know how Columbus felt Finding another world
I feel like I'm melting from the intensity of my feelings. It's like discovering a whole new world, and I can relate to how Columbus felt when he came across America.
Kiss me once, then once more What a dunce I was before What a break, for Heaven's sake How long has this been goin' on?
Please kiss me once, then again. I feel silly for not realizing my attraction to you before now. This is a great opportunity for us - how long has this been happening?
Kiss me twice, once more, thrice, make it four What a break, for Heaven's sake How long has this been goin' on?
Kiss me again and again - let's take this opportunity to be together. How long have we been holding back our feelings?
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind