Definitely one of those records you don't hear on oldies radio stations. For the week of September 28,1961 here in OKC, this record was number one on our local top 40 radio station survey. The cello portion was edited out. In case you are wondering, Sue Thompson's SAD MOVIES was number two that week. Good Post.
Larry N. Boyington, aka Larry Neal, former curator of the Wax Museum on the big 1520 KOMA
The cello part was cut out of the popular 45rpm. It was only available on the LP. This tune was high on the Top 40 charts of the day...back when Bert Kemfort and Wonderland by Night drove me off Top 40 music. Don Shirley was unique.
I first heard Don Shirley 5 or 6 years ago. I wanted a friend to hear, so I looked on YouTube. The music is a s fresh and new as the day it was written. It will be fresh and new 100 years from now. This one and "This Nearly Was Mine" are simply magnificent.
i did a solo dance 2 this song while i was in high school i love it this man is magnificent his 1st public performance he was only 3 years of age damn... hes just 1 more fantastic Jamaican
This particular record by Don Shirley make it to number one here in OKC back in 1961 on top 40 radio station 930WKY. I don't know this for a fact, but I was told it also made it to number one in Chicago on station 890 WLS. He had a followup I also liked, DROWN IN MY OWN TEARS.
Larry N. Boyington, aka Larry Neal, former curator of the Wax Museum on the big 1520 KOMA
What a glorious find!! This man and his music meant so very much to me as I was going to school, His music cemented all the memories forever more. I was fortunate enough to see him at Carnegie Hall as well. Now that was some music. I wish all good things
WOW! You all should know, we have called my Uncle Donald & shared your wonderful comments w/him! You have blessed us with your loving words & these beautiful montages. He still gives us love thru ebony & ivory embraces, but it is sometimes a chore rather than breath. Please keep enjoying him as we always have - he just as colorful & magical as ever! Also, please keep him up in prayer as he has been ailing from time to time. We thank & appreciate you!
I simply do not remember the cello parts in this cut. Otherwise, the song seems the same. The oly version I ever heard is the one that was done on the 45 rpm recording. What albums were issued that included this song? I'll say this, I don't think I will ever get tired of this song. It's is some of the best basic jazz I've ever heard. Thanks to whomever posted it here.
There is a 2 cd set available: Don Shirley Plays Love Songs/Don Shirley Trio by Don Shirley...with this version of Water Boy...originally released on vinyl as "Don Shirley Trio" Cadence CLP 3046
@wetbird The 45 version was shortened a bit for radio play and you are right, it did not contain the cello part. I grew-up in the Windsor-Detroit area and this was a big, big hit both on the jazz radio stations and CKLW in Windsor. I remember buying the 45 out of my weekly allowance money and playing it over and over again.
The lead-in to the song isnot the one I remember from the 45 rpm record, which must have come out nearly 50 years ago now. Does anyone know what I'm talking about and would anyone know, where on the Internet I could go to find a copy of thet rendition?
i am a music fanatic and this piece is one of my favorite..thank you!!
holycitysoda 1 month ago
I first heard this music forty years ago. It's just as great now as it was then.
Sara595 2 months ago
Definitely one of those records you don't hear on oldies radio stations. For the week of September 28,1961 here in OKC, this record was number one on our local top 40 radio station survey. The cello portion was edited out. In case you are wondering, Sue Thompson's SAD MOVIES was number two that week. Good Post.
Larry N. Boyington, aka Larry Neal, former curator of the Wax Museum on the big 1520 KOMA
larrynealwaxmuseum 2 months ago
The cello part was cut out of the popular 45rpm. It was only available on the LP. This tune was high on the Top 40 charts of the day...back when Bert Kemfort and Wonderland by Night drove me off Top 40 music. Don Shirley was unique.
wjacksavage 3 months ago
One of my favorites! His range of expression reminds me of Ahmad Jamal. I have a Cadence recording CLP25046 July 1960.
artwitstick 4 months ago
I first heard Don Shirley 5 or 6 years ago. I wanted a friend to hear, so I looked on YouTube. The music is a s fresh and new as the day it was written. It will be fresh and new 100 years from now. This one and "This Nearly Was Mine" are simply magnificent.
ZZMike339 5 months ago
i did a solo dance 2 this song while i was in high school i love it this man is magnificent his 1st public performance he was only 3 years of age damn... hes just 1 more fantastic Jamaican
jadancerboy 6 months ago
Thank you for sharing. I have this LP played on my new stereo when I was 18 years old. Now I am old and it still sounds good.
97scooter1 6 months ago
No one plays the piano like Don Shirley. Glory to God, this gospel jazz is playin' in heaven above.
Miltonwmhare 6 months ago
I haven't heard this in 40 years and it is still superb. Thanks very much for the memories.
SandSpeaker 1 year ago
Wow, thank you for this! I've been looking for twenty years!
Finnhawc 1 year ago
One of the most powerful and greatest classics ever. Thank you for this posting.
gingerbread1231 1 year ago
This particular record by Don Shirley make it to number one here in OKC back in 1961 on top 40 radio station 930WKY. I don't know this for a fact, but I was told it also made it to number one in Chicago on station 890 WLS. He had a followup I also liked, DROWN IN MY OWN TEARS.
Larry N. Boyington, aka Larry Neal, former curator of the Wax Museum on the big 1520 KOMA
larrynealwaxmuseum 1 year ago
A classic indeed! Thanks.
gingerbread1231 2 years ago
A special night back in 1955 when dancing to this made me fall in love with Don Shirley and my wife Shirley Thibodeaux
jltjr1968 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this! Great record. Wasn't Ocean's later hit "Put Your Hand In The Hand" based on this tune?
vinylsingleman 2 years ago
I'm not sure on this, they may be based on an earlier source gospel hymn. Definitely a strong connection.
mattmcwax 2 years ago
Real nice, check out the song Dirt Old Town sounds just like this,
alanbreathnach 2 years ago
What a glorious find!! This man and his music meant so very much to me as I was going to school, His music cemented all the memories forever more. I was fortunate enough to see him at Carnegie Hall as well. Now that was some music. I wish all good things
woodscrper 2 years ago
I spent so many hours listening to Don while painting that I have to give him credit for some of my best works...what a great musician.
wetbird 2 years ago
WOW! You all should know, we have called my Uncle Donald & shared your wonderful comments w/him! You have blessed us with your loving words & these beautiful montages. He still gives us love thru ebony & ivory embraces, but it is sometimes a chore rather than breath. Please keep enjoying him as we always have - he just as colorful & magical as ever! Also, please keep him up in prayer as he has been ailing from time to time. We thank & appreciate you!
KaroleKimb 2 years ago
Thank you for your comment. Don's music has meant a lot to me through the years and I will keep him up in prayer...I wish the very best for him.
wetbird 2 years ago
I tried visiting the posters web site but not found.
My loss!
fullflavor01 2 years ago
I love this song! It brings back memories for me!
I have had the LP album for many years and still love it! No one does it like Don Shirley!
LOVE IT! Thanks for putting this up!
fullflavor01 2 years ago
I simply do not remember the cello parts in this cut. Otherwise, the song seems the same. The oly version I ever heard is the one that was done on the 45 rpm recording. What albums were issued that included this song? I'll say this, I don't think I will ever get tired of this song. It's is some of the best basic jazz I've ever heard. Thanks to whomever posted it here.
fedinvest1530 3 years ago
There is a 2 cd set available: Don Shirley Plays Love Songs/Don Shirley Trio by Don Shirley...with this version of Water Boy...originally released on vinyl as "Don Shirley Trio" Cadence CLP 3046
wetbird 3 years ago
@wetbird The 45 version was shortened a bit for radio play and you are right, it did not contain the cello part. I grew-up in the Windsor-Detroit area and this was a big, big hit both on the jazz radio stations and CKLW in Windsor. I remember buying the 45 out of my weekly allowance money and playing it over and over again.
upquist1 1 year ago
The lead-in to the song isnot the one I remember from the 45 rpm record, which must have come out nearly 50 years ago now. Does anyone know what I'm talking about and would anyone know, where on the Internet I could go to find a copy of thet rendition?
fedinvest1530 3 years ago
A couple of Don's later albums had a shorter version of Water Boy on them...perhaps that's the version you are referring to.
wetbird 3 years ago
The lack of Don Shirley on YouTube is a scandal. Thanks for helping to bring to the public's attention a modern master.
Waterboy moans with sorrow and soars with hope. The human condition in less than five minutes.
ryangcny 3 years ago
Thank you sir. Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise there will be more Don Shirley on YouTube...
wetbird 3 years ago