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
Out Of Nowhere
Zoot Sims Lyrics
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You took my heart and found it free
Wonderful dreams, wonderful schemes from nowhere
Made every hour sweet as a flower for me
If you should go back to your nowhere
Leaving me with a memory
I'll always wait for your return out of nowhere
The lyrics to "Out of Nowhere" by Zoot Sims and Eddie are a reflection of a chance encounter that leads to a blissful relationship. The line, "You came to me from out of nowhere," suggests that the person was not looking for love but ended up finding it unexpectedly. The lyrics depict this feeling of being swept off one's feet and how it can transform someone's life entirely. The second line, "You took my heart and found it free," suggests that the relationship feels liberating and has given the singer a newfound sense of freedom.
The third line, "Wonderful dreams, wonderful schemes from nowhere," suggests a sense of excitement and possibility that comes with the new relationship. The person feels like anything is possible and all their dreams and ambitions can be achieved with the support of their partner. The final line of the first verse, "Made every hour sweet as a flower for me," captures the sweetness and joy that the relationship brings to the singer's life.
The second verse takes a more melancholic tone as the singer contemplates the possibility of their partner leaving. The line, "If you should go back to your nowhere," suggests that the partner has the power to leave at any time, which leaves the singer feeling vulnerable. However, they are still willing to wait for their partner's return, hoping that they will bring their love back to them. The lyrics suggest a willingness to take a risk and potentially get hurt for the sake of love.
Line by Line Meaning
You came to me from out of nowhere
You appeared in my life suddenly and unexpectedly
You took my heart and found it free
You captured my heart and made me feel liberated and alive
Wonderful dreams, wonderful schemes from nowhere
I was blessed with amazing dreams and aspirations that seemingly came out of nowhere
Made every hour sweet as a flower for me
You made my days pleasant and enjoyable, like the sweet fragrance of a flower
If you should go back to your nowhere
If you decide to leave me and return to your previous life
Leaving me with a memory
I will be left with only the memory of our time together
I'll always wait for your return out of nowhere
I will patiently wait for you to come back into my life unexpectedly
Hoping you'll bring your love to me
I am hopeful that you will also bring back the same love and affection that we shared before
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Heyman, Johnny Green
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind