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Old Folks

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The Walker Brothers, Miles Davis

About Old Folks

Old Folks is a 1938 popular song and jazz standard composed by Willard Robison with lyrics by Dedette Lee Hill, the wife and occasional colleague of Billy Hill. The lyrics tell of an old man nicknamed "Old Folks" and reference his service in the American Civil War, his habit of smoking with a "yellow cob pipe", and the prospect of his death. A 1938 version by Larry Clinton and His Orchestra and vocalist Bea Wain charted at No. 4; around this time it was also recorded by Mildred Bailey and Bing Crosby and performed on radio by Benny Goodman and Fats Waller. It was recorded on saxophone by Don Byas in 1946 and saxophonist Ben Webster, who made more than a dozen recordings of the song and often performed it in concert as a ballad, first recorded it in 1951. Its most famous jazz version is by trumpeter Miles Davis on Someday My Prince Will Come (1961). 


Year:
1997
5:17
109 

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Everyone knows him as Old Folks
Like the seasons, he'll come and he'll go
Just as free as a bird and as good as his word
That's why everybody loves him so

Always leaving his spoon in his coffee
Tucks his napkin up under his chin
And that yellow cow-pie is so mellow it's ripe
But you needn't be ashamed of him
Every Friday he'll go fishing, down on his favorite lake
But he only hooks a perch or two, the whale got away
Looks like we warm the steak

Someday there'll be no more Old Folks
What a lonesome old town this will be
Children's voice at play, will be still for a day
The day they take the Old Folks away

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Miles Davis

Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. more »

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Sheet Music      PDF     

Written by: DEDETTE LEE HILL, WILLARD ROBISON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

9 facts about this song

Artists' Background
"Old Folks" is a song featuring Ben Webster, an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He was one of the three major tenor saxophonists of the swing era along with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. - Another artist featured in the song is Don Byas, another American jazz tenor saxophonist. He played with several famous jazz musicians such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. - The third musician featured is Miles Davis, a celebrated American jazz trumpeter, composer, and music innovator. Davis is considered one of the top influential musicians of the 20th century.
Album Information
"Old Folks" is taken from the album "Ben and Sweets" released in 1962.
Song Importance
The song “Old Folks” is well known for its sentimental tribute to the elderly. It’s a popular piece often used in jazz education due to its simplicity and emotional resonant theme.
Song Information
Composed by Willard Robison and Dedette Lee Hill, the song has been covered by various artists in different genres. However, the version by Webster, Byas, and Davis is among the most recognized.
Musicality
The song showcases the unique and powerful sounds of Webster and Byas' tenor saxophone and Davis' trumpet.
Legacy
"Old Folks" has become a staple in jazz repertoire; it continues to be taught and performed by jazz musicians around the world.
Music Innovation
Despite its traditional jazz framework, the song displays the artists' innovation and virtuosity. Each artist's instrumental ability brought a distinct character to the piece.
Critical Review
The song was adored by jazz enthusiasts, with critics noting its signature harmonic and rhythmic depth. The performance was hailed for its blend of sultry saxophones and dynamic trumpet sounds.
Influence
The rendition of "Old Folks" by Webster, Byas, and Davis has greatly influenced many future generations of saxophonists and trumpeters.

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