Shirley Horn – “Here’s to Life, Here’s to Love, Here’s to You for 2017

Written by | Editors Choice, News

in 1994, jazz legend Shirley Horn performed “Here’s To Life” at the North Sea Jazz Festival with the Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Dick Bakker.

I celebrate that song with you at the close of 2016. It has been a fascinating year with many twist and turns including the apparent new category of Fake News!

Nothing could be further from the truth, at least with Jazz music and all its colourful tapestry. Our dedicated team of senior writers, photographers and contributors have travelled to Jazz clubs, concerts and festivals in Europe and North America. Happy to share their colourful jazz perspectives throughout 2016 with you through informative articles, Cd reviews, stunning photos and supportive video. For my part, it has been very rewarding, communicating with many fascinating characters that above all have a steadfast passion in life for Jazz music.

Some say I live an enviable life…doing something I enjoy! What does that mean?

I know I feel grateful, I laugh a lot, and I LOVE Life, sharing it with the people who’ve touched my life past,  present and future.

As I reminisce over 2016 I come back to the same personal mantra captured in the lyrics of that song sang live on stage in 1994 with so much warmth and beauty by Shirley Horn – So…in closing, I say, “Here’s to Life, Here’s to Love, Here’s to You for 2017.

Warmest virtual regards,
Nigel J. – Editor in Chief for Jazz in Europe

Sing-a-long lyrics

No complaints and no regrets.
I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bet
For I have learned that all you give is all you get
so give it all you got
I had my fun, I drank my fill, and even though I’m satisfied
I’m hungry still
to see what’s down another road
beyond a hill and do it all again
so here’s to life and every dream it brings
So…here’s to life the dreamers and their dreams

Funny how the time just flies
How love can go from warm hellos
to sad goodbyes
to leave you with the memories
you’ve memorized
to keep your winters warm
Cos 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
So…Here’s to life, the 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

Shirley Horn Images

YT Video:   Metropole Orkest

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Last modified: July 15, 2018