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
Pennies From Heaven
Zoot Sims Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven?
You'll find your fortune's fallin' all over the town
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love, you must have showers
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
Every time, every time it rains, it's gonna rain pennies from heaven
Don't you know every cloud contains lots of pennies from heaven
You'll find your fortune's fallin', baby, all over the town
Be sure, be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
If you want the things you love, you've got to have showers
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me
The lyrics to Zoot Sims's song "Pennies From Heaven" convey a sense of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. The song compares raindrops to pennies from heaven, suggesting that even in difficult times, there are small blessings to be found.
The first verse begins with the line "Every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven," indicating that even during rainy or challenging periods, there are opportunities for good fortune. The mention of clouds containing pennies implies that there is potential for wealth and positivity in every situation, if one is open to seeing it.
The lyrics go on to state that one's fortune can be found all over the town, emphasizing that luck and opportunities can arise anywhere and at any time. The line "be sure that your umbrella is upside down" suggests being open and receptive to these blessings, as a traditional umbrella position would prevent the pennies from reaching the person. This can be interpreted as a call to maintain a positive mindset and be open to the possibilities that life presents.
The second verse introduces the idea of trading the pennies for a "package of sunshine and flowers," symbolizing the exchange of small blessings for greater joy and happiness. The lyrics imply that in order to obtain the things one loves, they must be willing to endure difficulties and challenges, represented here by showers.
The final lines of the song reinforce the idea that even amidst thunderstorms or obstacles, there will still be "pennies from heaven" for both the singer and the listener. This statement reaffirms the sense of hope and positivity conveyed throughout the song, reminding us that there is always a silver lining to be found if we remain open and optimistic.
Overall, "Pennies From Heaven" encourages listeners to find beauty and hope in even the most challenging circumstances, reminding us to maintain a positive outlook and be receptive to the blessings that surround us, no matter how small they may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven
Whenever it rains, good fortune comes unexpectedly
Don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven?
Each cloud carries blessings waiting to be received
You'll find your fortune's fallin' all over the town
Opportunities for success are everywhere
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Stay open and receptive to the blessings coming your way
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
Exchange those blessings for joyful and beautiful experiences
If you want the things you love, you must have showers
To attain what you desire, you must face challenges and setbacks
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
In times of difficulty, avoid seeking shelter in vulnerable places
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me
Divine blessings will come to both of us
Every time, every time it rains, it's gonna rain pennies from heaven
With each rainfall, unexpected blessings will come
Don't you know every cloud contains lots of pennies from heaven
Each cloud holds numerous opportunities for good fortune
You'll find your fortune's fallin', baby, all over the town
You'll discover blessings falling upon you everywhere you go
Be sure, be sure that your umbrella is upside down
Make sure you are receptive and open to receive blessings
Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers
Exchange those blessings for happiness and beauty
If you want the things you love, you've got to have showers
To obtain what brings you joy, you must endure challenges
So, when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree
During difficult times, avoid seeking refuge in vulnerable places
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me
Both of us will receive unexpected blessings
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Arthur Johnston, Johnny Burke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Polynesian Guitar
Over 35 years listening to this and it's still fresh,Joe is the benchmark for Duo or solo.
blue47er
Zoot would make a rusty drainpipe sound wonderful with the right mouthpiece and reed. He always leaves you feeling better for having listened to him.
ZeBurck
Unique playing on that darned horn. I love it.
fastborzoi
God, I love this album I hope I see them in the studio in Heaven
Epistemophilos
Jazz - or should I say: music - just doesn't get much better than this. Thanks for posting.
Daniel McBrearty
what a fantastic combination
Dan McKinnon
When this guy plays his horn I feel it in my gut (in a good way :-)
Dan McKinnon
@Giuseppe Calì Db favored key of Stan Getz as well. I am listening to a lot of Black gospel played by ear players. I hear a surprising number of songs in Ab and also Db. (for example, I listen to Kevon Carter, Cory Henry)
Giuseppe Calì
I agree with everything. Pass is an example for when I ask myself "how to comp this?" I take this CD or one of the Pass-E. Fitzgerald duo. "Just like that".
And yes, is In Db.
Dan McKinnon
I omitted praise for Mr. Pass, my bad. Whether he's accompanying Sims or himself during his solo, it is like one or more additional people are playing (like virtuosos). Pass picks up Sims' last phrase and echoes it to start his own great solo, presenting phrases supported by chords and bass lines. It is as though Sims (and Pass) have a bass player and comper behind them (and Pass has a great rhythmic sense, so there's the drummer, too). They also play this song very lyrically and with feeling.