Shirley Horn - Here's To Life (Verve Records 1992)
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- Опубліковано 14 січ 2012
- Here's to Life is a 1992 studio album by Shirley Horn, arranged by Johnny Mandel.
Shirley Valerie Horn (May 1, 1934 -- October 20, 2005) was an American jazz singer and pianist. Horn collaborated with many jazz greats including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Toots Thielemans, Ron Carter, Carmen McRae, Wynton Marsalis and others. She was most noted for her ability to accompany herself with nearly incomparable independence and ability on the piano while singing, something described by arranger Johnny Mandel as "like having two heads", and for her rich, lush voice, a smoky contralto, which was described by noted producer and arranger Quincy Jones as "like clothing, as she seduces you with her voice". Although she could swing as strongly as any straight-ahead jazz artist, Horn's reputation rode on her exquisite ballad work.
Shirley Horn was born and raised in Washington, D.C.. Encouraged by her grandmother, an amateur organist, Horn began piano lessons at the age of four. Aged 12, she studied piano and composition at Howard University, later graduating from there in classical music. Horn was offered a place at the Juilliard School, but her family could not afford to send her there. Horn formed her first jazz piano trio when she was twenty. Horn's early piano influences were Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson and Ahmad Jamal, and moving away from her classical background, Horn later said that "Oscar Peterson became my Rachmaninov, and Ahmad Jamal became my Debussy." She then became enamored with the famous U Street jazz area of Washington (largely destroyed in the 1968 riots), sneaking into jazz clubs before she was of legal age.
Horn first achieved fame in 1960, through her association with Miles Davis. Davis' praise had particular resonance in two respects: because he was so highly respected as a musician, and because he rarely offered public praise for fellow musicians at that time. Horn had, though, recorded several songs with violinist Stuff Smith in 1959 both as a pianist and a singer. After her discovery by Davis, she recorded albums on different small labels in the early 1960s, eventually landing contracts with larger labels Mercury Records and Impulse Records. She was popular with jazz critics, but did not achieve significant popular success.
Quincy Jones attempted to make Horn into a pure vocalist in several recording sessions, something he later hinted may have been a mistake. Horn was also disturbed by the changes in popular music in the 1960s following the arrival of The Beatles. Largely rejecting efforts to remake her into a popular singer, she stated: "I will not stoop to conquer". From the late-1960s, she concentrated on raising her daughter Rainy with her husband, Shepherd Deering (whom she had married in 1955), and largely limited her performances to her native Washington, D.C.
Miles Davis made a rare appearance as a sideman on Horn's 1991 album You Won't Forget Me. Although she preferred to perform in small settings, such as her trio, she also recorded with orchestras, as on the 1992 album Here's to Life, the title song (lyrics by Phyllis Molinary, music by Artie Butler) of which became her signature song. A video documentary of Horn's life and music was released at the same time as "Here's To Life" and shared its title. At the time, arranger Johnny Mandel commented that Horn's piano skill was comparable to that of the noted jazz great Bill Evans. A follow-up was made in 2001, named You're My Thrill.
Shirley Horn kept for twenty five years the same rhythm section: Charles Ables (bass) and Steve Williams (drums). Don Heckman wrote in the Los Angeles Times (February 2, 1995) about "the importance of bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams to Horn's sound. Working with boundless subtlety, following her every spontaneous twist and turn, they were the ideal accompanists for a performer who clearly will tolerate nothing less than perfection".
No complaints and no regrets.
I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets.
But i have learned that all you give is all you get
So give it all you got.
I had my share, I drank my fill, and even though
I'm satisfied I'm hungry still
To see what's down another road, beyond the hill
And do it all again.
So here's to life and all the joy it brings.
Here's to life for dreamers and their dreams.
Funny how the time just flies.
How love can go from warm hellos to sad goodbyes
And leave you with the memories you've memorized
To keep your winters warm.
For there's no yes in yesterday.
And who knows what tomorrow brings or takes away.
As long as I'm still in the game I want to play
For laughs, for life, for love.
So here's to life and every joy it brings.
Here's to life, for dreamers and their dreams.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that's good get better.
Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that's good get better.
Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you.
I heard this song for the first time a few years ago, driving a company truck back to the office and playing a local jazz station. I was in the Bay Area, Ca. and it always seemed to match the mood of the city. This song came on as I approached the bay bridge, and I just started crying. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Life’s been moving faster since then, but when I listen to this song, I’m reminded that it can still be savored.
Amen!
Beautifly said.😊
Yesss !
@@loveislife314 truly, Amen
I know the feeling... the cry , well spent, for all the crying man has done through the centuries.
tension release relieve
Om Shanti
Grown ass man here going through some big changes in my life. Listening to this, I could not help but shed a few tears. It's as if Shirley and her orchestra were performing just for me.
Adil, if this beautiful tune connects to you then she does indeed sing it for you my friend. Be well.
GOD's gift to humanity... Shirley Horn ❤
I am now 83 years old......and i have written in my will that this song should be played at my funeral (sorry to be so morose!!!!!). She was my soul sister.....and I miss her more and more each day!!!
I can't even sing this song without breaking down!!! I miss my mom !!!
You couldn’t have made a better choice. My wife and I listen to the album containing this song each evening for dinner.
Goodness, I’m 40 and I have the same wish ❤️
How are you?
Wow So fitting
Im a young man from the 90's but i thank my grandparents for all this amazing wonderful music ❤❤
Truly one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded! I feel privileged to hear this! ❤️ 😭
It takes a certain maturity coupled with experience of joys, failures, successes, bitter regrets, and most of all the boundless joy of living life and loving to understand and comprehend this matchless song as Ms Horn performs it. For the young this song shows the value and the rewards of giving and loving. The song, singer, and accompanists come together to make a landmark recording for all of us to appreciate.
This is one of the best songs I've heard in my life. Makes me cry.
+Phillip Prince I discovered two days ago and have not been able to stop playing it!
Its sad and happy at the same time!
I just think the beauty of life / song/ music comes through despite perhaps some hard times. By the way, how's the Queen today?
She passed away in 2005 God rest her soul.
You're right.
I've been surrounded by so much pain and torment in the short 23 years I've been alive. I've been plagued by loss, living alone and for myself most of my life, being abandoned by family. I suffer from pessimism and loneliness. This song struck a chord with me in such a spiritual way, it actually gave me hope. I can see this song being played when I get married and slow dance with my partner. I also want it played at my funeral. May we all inspire hope and joy like this song has with me.
I'm FEELING everything you expressed. Thank you! ❤️🙏🏾☮️
❤️
I would love to know you, and be encouragement for you in any way I can while you're still alive🥹 when I hear young(er) people speak this way my heart goes out to you in thee most sincere and earnest way..Godbless you beloved❤
Just such a beautiful and moving song. I also want this song played at my funeral / memorial service. Heard it for the first time years ago and it is still relevant and moving. Wish I could have seen her live.
It gets better with compassion for yourself. Noticing the tiny, multiple beautiful things that bring a smile to your face - find more of those! Blessings, dear one.
This song is so profound...Shirley Horn makes every word felt. Yes Shirley Here's to life and every joy it brings.....
Please listen to my niece who obviously felt this song deeply Sonia Harrison Sings Here's To Life
Agreed just magic every word . ✨
and every pain too...so we enjoy good moments more..
Yes! Truly amazing...!!! 👏 👏 👏
One of the finest orchestrations I have ever heard. Riveting. And Shirley's lead is perfect...
One of THE MOST beautiful songs of all time.♥️
One of the most sublime performances I have ever heard in my life.
Imagine a 16 yr old kid, who was a big jazz fan and loved it.. then play's the radio station and this comes on.. he falls in love with the voice and the composing of this.. back then there was no shazam.. all you can do is ask around the older generation which were jazz musicians who once lived in New Orleans in their age of youth. Needless to say I bought this cassette shortly after and played the entire album.. I still love her voice and it still holds a special place in my heart and mind. Still love jazz music to this day..
If only this song could bring peace to the world. It brings joy, reminiscence, warmth, hope, good feelings, and love into the heart.
My hands down favorite version of this incredible song...what a lady she was.
I've seen you on Neville Goddard threads.... Sending peace and love.
Because she wrote it 😁🥰😇
@@SASeBay-wn5nj
Actually, Artie Butler (music) & Phyllis Jean Molinary (lyrics) wrote: "Here's To Life".
@@dee_dee_place wow, interesting indeed. Surprised to find out that she didn't even write "You're Nearer". Thanks for the information! I thought she wrote the whole Here's To Life Album.
Thank God for youtube, so i can discover fabulous artists like this!
What a beautiful smooth voice. Thanks for sharing!!
Please check out a woman who was obviously feeling all of what is in this song ...my niece with me on the piano Sonia Harrison sings Here's To Life
Soo True💯💞🔥💝💋
And REDiscover ¡!!!!!!!!!¡
Rest in peace Shirley. You are in heaven with my mom Shirley..She was a hip mom. She introduced me to jazz .and bossa Nova. She had the Verve records and I remember dancing to it as a young child. I play it in my head all the time when things get tough. I usually cry. Sing with me heavenly angels Shirley. My parents Jim and Shirley are dancing up a storm!
😢😢😢
❤
This song gives me life.
Please check out my niece's version on youtube... Sonia Harrison sings Here's to Life. We both love this song we did it in the great outdoors minus the beautiful orchestration.
Well put. I couldn't have said it better myself.
@@Barrustio46 qqqqq
@@robertjean4531 ?
@@Barrustio46 qqqqq
one of the greatest songs ever
My Moms and my favorite song.
It is our life song , gorgeous!
…. indescribable beauty.
Without a doubt, one of the greatest love ballads ever written: PURE GOLD.
No complaints and no regrets.
I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets.
But i have learned that all you give is all you get
So give it all you got.
I had my share, I drank my fill, and even though
I'm satisfied I'm hungry still
To see what's down another road, beyond the hill
And do it all again.
So here's to life and all the joy it brings.
Here's to life for dreamers and their dreams.
Funny how the time just flies.
How love can go from warm hellos to sad goodbyes
And leave you with the memories you've memorized
To keep your winters warm.
For there's no yes in yesterday.
And who knows what tomorrow brings or takes away.
As long as I'm still in the game I want to play
For laughs, for life, for love.
So here's to life and every joy it brings.
Here's to life, for dreamers and their dreams.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that's good get better.
Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that's good get better.
Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you.
It was 1960. I walked into The Brass Rail in Washington D.C. And there was Shirley Horn mesmerizing a room of maybe a dozen or so. It could have been thousands , it still would have have had that intimate Shirley Horn mood. I became an instant fan. Love her rendition of It's Easy To Remember . I hear you whisper I'll always love you. I know it's over and yet. It's easy to remember but so hard to forget.
Wow , i will buy you a drink and tell me that story and many more ;)
@@rossyano8880 me too, me too
Wow the Brass rail located on the NW side of K st...I remember that spot must've been a great time.
Love this album. Actually, I have the cassette.
She does my all time favorite Its Easy To Remember and easily the best All My Tomorrows among many others. Genius.
This would make a peaceful ending for a send-off at a funeral.
Indeed, this was played at my partners funeral September 10th this year, it's a very special beautiful song
Here's to you George Gilbert ♥️
I've thought about that
That's how I toasted my mother off after her passing.
That’s where I first heard this song was at a funeral
I heard many singers sing this song....but she is the Queen!
25 years from the first version. This song entered in my heart and surely will stay there all life long. I bought that record at that time, and it was, from the first time I heard this track, a great standard. A timeless classic, especially because of this incredible arrangement. Thank you Johnny Mandel. The lyric is so philosophycally deep, poignant, total. Everybody can recognize himself in this song. It is a poetic portrait of human life, written with simple but meaningful words, so meaningful to become trascendent. This is the reason why who listens for this song will never forget it. It's a small /big miracle of absolute beauty. Something else. Surely Shirley understood it immediately. After this song our life enriched and became happier. Thanks to Shirley, Artie and the late lyricist.Thanks to music.
I recorded this song in 1998, after falling in love with Shirley's exquisite rendition. It's on my album "After Hours," with my old friend, Jimmy Martin, on piano.
Yes, that Johnny Mandel arrangement!
franco savadori every word you wrote is filled with the emotion this song provides to all who choose to really listen. Thank you. And thank Shirley Horn.
A very nice read...thank you for sharing.
Here's to you, Franco Savadori: Yes, Yes, Yes. What you wrote!
My granddads favorite song ... I dedicate this beautiful farewell song to him R.I.P. BILLY ... HE WENT HOME TO HEAVEN YESTERDAY.. FEB 23 2015 💔
+Christina Porter Your Granddad was obviously a wonderfully sensitive man!
So sorry for your loss, "Christina P.," unfortunately, as grandchildren, way too often we have to lose them at some point in our early adulthood. It's always difficult, especially if you were close. Enjoy the song and let it bring GOOD memories for you!
M.J. Leger love is an wonderful time into the future and past
Yo this was played at my Grandads funeral, it was his fav song too. He also passed in 2015.
🎶✌💜I love music bc its so personal & so powerful too. Bc tho i love the crap outta anyone who chooses this song for their funeral i am full on choosing it to express my reincarnation LOL...me and my kids are moving cross country bc I finally got us out of a bad situation at home... so I'm announcing my move w the words of this song bc it has ALWAYS been a favorite and I'm 36. #musicdoesntcarehowoldyouare;)
Wow, what a profound song, a profound talent and treasure. My swan song. Thank you God for blessing us with beautiful Shirley Horn.
She’s simply amazing and I love the song! I’m so thankful to one of my Dear friends who send it to me and here I’m 75 years old discovering Dame Shirley Horn!
Let this serve as a reminder, life is good...even on a bad day. That's when your at your best. God bless.
Life is heaven or hell
Every day of life is a gift. Time is the most valuable asset. It can never be replaced. Unfortunately, we don't realize this until we get older. Tine stands still for no one and is the ultimate equalizer. So...try to enjoy most days of life.
@Omar H, beautifully said.
@@harveyharvey3373 Lovely...
@@billpiechocki Thank you. Have a great day!
So very beautiful and I love the message
What is the message. I'm not exactly sure, I'm sorry to say.
A jewel of a voice set in a velvet cushion of harmony ... sweet perfection.
Allen Minton sooo beautiful and true
Sir you just described it in the highest poetic way possible.
Beautifully true
What a beautiful voice and the message is phenomenal!
shirley whitmire couldnt agree more
HERE'S TO LIFE🍷, HERE'S TO SHIRLEY HORN💝R I P. HERE'S TO EVERYONE❤
How incredibly nostalgic and beautiful!
This is one of those rare songs oozing with profound irony... musical poetry!!!Love this so much!!!💖💖💖💕💕💕😚😚😚
I get goosebumps every time I listen to this song and the BEAUTIFUL way Shirley sang it.
Likewise!
This legend is one of a kind........and this song is her legacy..........so pure, so filled with raw emotion!!!
Shirley Horn is the only singer who can sing so smooth/low/slow and get your heart racing like you have just participated in a spin class. Her tempo and lyrics gives you a kick in the spirit.
A mark of a remarkable singer - horn transports you to distant memories happy - and sad ❤
outstanding... unforgettable
My dog recently passed, and it was too quiet in the house so I turned on the radio and this song came on... I cried like crazy... I think it was my little girl sending me a message.
There are songs and there are SONGS! This song stopped me in my tracks like "My Way", by Sinatra (Paul Anka), "The Way We Were" by Barbara Streisand and "Dream On" (Aerosmith) have. This one cut so deep, it left me speechless. My new anthem...
This song goes right through me. It truly is a Masterpiece Moment. My My My. The words, the musicianship and the beautiful Lady Horn.
Masterpiece yes
Doesn't it just. Agreed!
🙏💯
I don't know WHO could do a thumbs down on this beautiful, poignant ballad...
Probably fans of todays music that's mainly crappy.Jeez what would they know regarding what is good music.
Someone with zero taste. Or less.
Only a moron could do that
So sexy, jazzy, and smooth with old memories. Love this song, it stays with me, Thank you Shirley Horn!!!!!
I’m crying what a moving song beautiful just playing now on the radio 😢
WOW, just WOW!!! There are no words...
I had a warm evening last night with three old friends in front of the fireplace, and the poignancy of this song captures a bit of that time together.
This song became Shirley's theme song, she performed it at many concerts. (The lyrics are so meaningful and poignant!) Just lovely, as is the orchestra here! She was not on the piano on this number, having just had surgery on her foot from complications of diabetes, which later took her life. One of the most underrated performers of her era, partly because she did not feel the need to travel all over the world! She didn't need to, she always had a rapt audience whenever she performed, a grand talent and artist. Other musicians always wanted to work with her, she was that kind of an artist!
Not so. It was only in her very last album or two that she did not play the piano. For this, she recorded all of the songs and THEN Johnny Mandel added his beautiful arrangements.
I can listen to Shirley sing all day. She is sorely missed
This recording was just played as an opening of a memorial service for a special friend who passed suddenly. He loved life and lived life fully. We all knew why this song was chosen, and it made us all cry. I hear songs like this --the melody and lyrics and I wonder to myself whether a young person listening to music that is so different if there would be a moment they take to slow down, really listen, and appreicate this for its beauty and magic.
Absolutely one of her best, she is passion, forever in awe, here's to life!
My niece must have been feeling her in her version minus orchestration in a noisy environment...listen to her here Sonia Harrison
This is so beautiful and a classic by a marvelous performer. Nobody can do this song buy Shirley Horn
Amazing song and talent!!!!!! wow
I’m 32. I’ve lived one hell of a life. Here’s to new heights of joy and new depths of pain. This is what makes life worth living. It’s what gives meaning to each day. It’s what gives death its meaning.
Best wishes for and in the New Year - it gets better.....
Hey,, you're just getting "warmed up" at 32...im over twice that... And enjoying every morning when I wake up... This song says it all.... Some mornings, the rain is falling, other mornings, the blue sky is amazing against the green trees... Grab a coffee, and just enjoy....... 😀👍👍
Life goes on with or without me. Seems that time not only waits for no one, but also is unforgiving to those who let each minute slip by. I shall fill my 60 seconds worth of distant run with all that I can muster. Thanks for the wise advice old man. Perhaps someday I’ll be one myself : )
Simply scintillating!
"Here's to Life" became Shirley's song, she owned it! No one sings it like she does and it kind of became her theme song. With Mandel arranging and a great orchestra, Shirley on piano and vocal, it just can't be beat!
She is the best!
No one will ever sing this song like Ms Horn and have heard some try. She sings this song with truth. Soooo heartfelt. Listen to how she sings in the song “ so here’s to life” I cry everytime I hear this song. So beautiful and truthful
This is so very, very beautiful!!!
Even thinking about this song - with Shirley's incredible vocals and Johnny Mandel's sumptuous arrangement (those flutes in the chorus especially) - brings me to tears. Shirley doesn't just sing this song, she lives this song.
Shirley made everything she sang sound like a symphony. I love this lady. She makes me proud to be from Washington, D.C., just as she was.
What an amazing voice.. She makes you WANT to feel love...
I can't even sing this song without breaking down!!! I miss my mom !!
Well, I don't think there could ever be a better version of this song.
My favorite song AND one that has so much meaning. This beautiful lady captured my heart late and I'm sorry that is she no longer with us but she left us with an incredibly superb group of recordings.....my she never be forgotten..
The first time I heard this song, I knew I had to have its CD! Am glad I did... in some of my quiet moments, it has been a treat having Shirley Horn's renditions within reach! Such calming voice and really talks to one's heart! Just love this song! To all you fans of Shirley Horn... Here's to Life! For dreamers and your dreams!
A phenomenal moment in jazz history. So sad that now, as then, the best are often ignored and trivialized, and left on the shelf, to be discovered by those who search hard enough.
I have loved this woman's voice, singing, piano, and the songs she wrote, since I first heard her when I was just a kid.
Chosen by me, for my memorial service (I pray I have leave reason for a service).
Working on it:)
Shirley's Gift to All Times.
Simply classic and classy. It gets no better than this.
Magnifique..!!!
who r the 3 idiots who thumb this down?!? 4 reals?! Shirley Horn is BRILLIANT!!!
This is my grandmas favorite song and when I miss her I put it on and cry because I know that she is in heaven listening to it with me.
Tears roll down...
I want this song played at my funeral.
Patti Labelle performed this song yesterday on the TODAY show for a Mothers Day Special Show and did an amazing job. So much so, it intrigued me to search for the original version of this song and singer....I must admit I am in awe by Shirley Horn's vocals and this song. Her version is so raw, touching and even better! I have been made a fan.
I agree, donaldcc, I only wish I had discovered Shirley Horn far sooner than I did, but I'm making up for lost time now! I love her voice, her interpretation, her piano playing and her orchestra when she has one -- ALL so good. Makes me feel so much more calm when I listen to her. Although I prefer her terrific ballads, I know she can do jazz with the best of them -- she's a great talent... I wish she was still around, I never got to hear in person, but am enjoying these recordings immensely!
When I first heard this song back in 1992, I became an instant fan of Shirley Horn. Her voice, the lyrics and the music were beautiful. This sounds as fresh today as it did back then. Truly one of my favorites.
I love her so much...Her music is so good for everyone....God Bless Her so much....
Doesn’t it shout into soul, whenever u listen to this song.
Wisdom and Music combined, and u got this masterpiece
She emanates a sincere love and care that you can feel when she sings this song. Its like being held close by a loved one. Thank you Ms. Horn for being and sharing yourself through music.
This song tugs at the heartstrings, and Shirley really knows how to sing it.
I just heard this today for a friend and I am completely enchanted. This is a gorgeous song.
Please listen to my nieces cover of this song at our family reunion minus the beautiful orchestration Sonia Harrison sings Here's To Life
Please check out my nieces home recording of this Sonia Harrison sings Here's to Life
Yes Yes
Just heard the song for the first time a few days ago but it stayed with me. What a beautiful song and that voice. Sent chills up my spine!
+bored1ca Same experience as you!
Her voice was unmistakable. She not only sung her songs she the story. She had said that the SONG is what matters. The gift of interpretation and musicality. She lives! (project 52)
I miss her such....Such great music...She is so nice...
After a dizzying relentless day, I used to love to fall asleep to this song at night sometimes. So magnificently poignant.
Absolutely beautiful
You know,I would have loved to be standing behind the Recording Engineer.. only one thing better than listening to perfection ... someone was priviledged to see it in the Studio.! Yeah I would have loved to have been there.... WOW!
2021 and hearing this song for the first time. Indescribable what I feel listening to the beautiful Shirley Horn on this day. Peace be with my soul.
one of my all time favorite songs, sung so beautifully ~
Tears of Love! Yes! This Is The Beauty of Love in Music! A Song, A Singer, Strings, Arrangement, Orchestration #EVERYTHING! Thank You Forever The Divine Ms. Horn!!!
I just sat here crying, while listening to this... it is such a powerful song...and so much comes to mind. Here's to life indeed....
¡Hermosísima!.....Beautiful!!!!!......So Nice!!!
I don't think I have heard anything more perfect.
This beautiful song became solely Shirley's song! And what a beauty it is, just like the extremely talented songstress herself, the inimitable Shirley Horn!
One of my favorites. First time I heard “Here’s To Life” by Shirley Horn I was driving on the highway but had to pull over to the Emergency Lane just to listen. I did get to attend a performance by Shirley Horn at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and when she took the stage you could hear a pin drop. Very elegant and masterful performance.
I heard this song from radio this week. I love this song. I love the lyrics. I love how she sings.
I just discovered Shirley Horn (pianist and vocalist) -- and I LOVE this song.
Miles used to have thing for Shirley back in the day....
David Bradley David -- I didn't even know who Shirley Horn was. Now...I know she was/is amazing. I will sing some of her songs. Especially this one.
True talent will always find it's way.....
Take time to listen to my niece's version here on UA-cam Sonia Harrison and me in a noisy environment.
I can't even sing this song without breaking down!!! I miss my mom !!!
Miles was in love with her. This whole album is a classic.
As the producer of the daily "Panorama" program on Washington DC 's WTTG-TV5, I had the extraordinary pleasure of not only booking the wonderful Ms. Shirley Horn on the program, a DC native, I was also privileged to befriend her. This is my favorite album by her. So, so excellent...
The beautiful and talented Shirley Horn......best version ever of this tune.