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
Summertime
Zoot Sims Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Oh your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
So hush little baby, don't you cry
One of these mornings
You're goin to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take the sky
There's a nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
In Zoot Sims's version of "Summertime," the lyrics tell a story of a tranquil and peaceful summer. The opening lines create an image of a leisurely time with fish jumping and the cotton growing high. The next line introduces the singer's parents, where the father is wealthy, and the mother is beautiful. As a result, the baby is encouraged to remain calm and collected, and not to shed a tear.
The lyrics then shift to the future, where the baby is grown and is about to take flight, singing and spreading its wings to take on the world. However, until that day comes, the parents will stand by their child's side to protect them from any harm that may come their way.
The lyrics paint a picture of a simple life in tune with nature, and of the hope for a bright and prosperous future. The song captures the beauty of summertime and the joys of life that come with family support.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime and the livin' is easy
During summertime, life is comfortable and relaxed.
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Nature is flourishing, with fish jumping and crops growing tall.
Oh your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
Your parents are well-off and attractive.
So hush little baby, don't you cry
You have no reason to be upset.
One of these mornings
At some point in the future.
You're goin to rise up singing
You will feel uplifted and joyful.
Then you'll spread your wings
You will be free to pursue your dreams.
And you'll take the sky
You will achieve great things.
But till that morning
Until that time comes.
There's a nothin' can harm you
You are safe and protected.
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Your parents are there to support and love you.
Lyrics © SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: DOROTHY HEYWARD, DU BOSE HEYWARD, GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bartholomule01
I am a bit of a connoisseur of Jazz in that I've collected hundreds of songs from many different styles and eras of the genre and I must say, this particular tune sticks out to me. I think one of the big things is one Joe Pass on the guitar, a well played guitar is always appreciated by me in a Jazz tune and two (more importantly) is George Mraz' bowed bass solo in the song. Bowed bass is a rarity in Jazz and I loved it in this track.
edward fuente
I attended his memorial service at St Peter's Lutheran Church, NYC. Never seen so many jazz legends at once: Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Tommy Flanagan, Roland Hanna, Milt Hinton, Jimmy Knepper, Mel Lewis, Roger Kellaway, George Shearing and a few more. Sadly and strangely, Al Cohn was missing.
Hilary April
Had the great pleasure of seeing Zoot perform at the Half Note club NYC during the late 1960's. This rendition of Summertime is incredible...the double bass Wow!!
Manuel Blesa
Great, great talent!!!!
Liam Davis
wonderful lifts ... thank you Zoot!
Eleuba Oliveira
Lindo demais!
MsDemimondaine
I love Gershwin's "Summertime" almost any way, but this snappy, kind of be-boppy version with variations on the theme is especially marvelous. Thanks for posting. Come summertime I'll be copying the link onto my Facebook wall to commemorate the season. (Just looked this one up on Wiki to see what they say -- evidently it's one of the most frequently covered songs in history since the invention of recording devices. No surprise there.)
gian paolo Puglisi
Great tenor sax and beautiful version ! Thanks
kahanalu1
Living in Southern California in the 1970's I used to drive up to Donte's Jazz Club in North Hollywood to watch Zoot Sims playing with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and Dolo Coker on piano and at other times with Roger Kellaway on piano. Zoot would blow the place down. Zoot grew up in Torrance, California. I dig bebop.
Hilary April
I saw him in the 1960's at the half note NYC...he played there frequently. Funny I was about 18...he was in his 40's and I thought he was old !