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
I Got It Bad
Zoot Sims Lyrics
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Tell me to save my tears
Well I'm so mad about him
I can't live without him
Never treats me sweet and gentle
The way he should
I've got it bad
My poor heart is so sentimental
Not made of wood
I've got it so bad
And that ain't good
But when the fish are jumpin'
And Friday rolls around
My man an' I, we gin some
We pray some, and sin some
He don't love me like I love him
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good
Yes I've got it bad
And that ain't good
The lyrics of Zoot Sims & Kenny Drew Trio's "I Got it Bad" depict a woman who is deeply in love with a man who does not reciprocate the same intensity of feelings towards her. Despite being advised to move on from him and save her tears, she is unable to because of her strong attachment to him. She acknowledges that he does not treat her well, but she cannot help her sentimental heart, incapable of shutting off her emotions. The lyrics also showcase the routine of the couple; they engage in vices such as drinking and sinning, but still, her love for him remains unrequited. The phrase "I've got it bad, and that ain't good," summarizes the unhealthy and abusive nature of their relationship, which she recognizes but cannot escape.
The song's lyrics can be seen as a portrayal of an emotionally tumultuous relationship. The woman is so in love with her partner that she disregards his mistreatment towards her. She knows that she should move on and find someone who will reciprocate her love, but she is unable to do so. The song highlights the complexities of relationships, including the power dynamics between two individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
Though folks with good intentions
Tell me to save my tears
Well I'm so mad about him
I can't live without him
Even though well-meaning people advise me to move on, I am so deeply in love with him that I cannot imagine life without him
Never treats me sweet and gentle
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good
He doesn't treat me with the love and care that I deserve and it hurts me deeply; my love for him is causing me great pain and that's not a good thing
My poor heart is so sentimental
Not made of wood
I've got it so bad
And that ain't good
My heart is very emotional and sensitive, and it's not something I can easily control; my love for him is too intense and it's causing me more harm than good
But when the fish are jumpin'
And Friday rolls around
My man an' I, we gin some
We pray some, and sin some
Despite all the pain and heartache, we still find ways to enjoy life together and share some special moments, whether it's having a drink or a prayer
He don't love me like I love him
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good
I love him more than he loves me and it's causing me a lot of pain and sadness; our love is not balanced and that's not a good thing
Yes I've got it bad
And that ain't good
In summary, my intense love for him is causing me a lot of emotional pain and distress, which is definitely not a good thing
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Paul Francis Webster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Daniel Rivera
This recording is amazing