Sam Cooke

Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out

Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out is a transcription from Sam Cooke's great RCA Victor 1961 album 'My Kind of Blues'. Sammy Lowe wrote the original arrangement and conducted the studio orchestra. Although this is a swing chart, the feel is really 12:8 and this is emphasised by the hi-hat almost all of the way through the chart. After a short four measure ensemble intro the first eight measures of the first vocal chorus is just vocal and rhythm section. The Trombones back the next eight, followed by the reeds, with a full ensemble building to the end of the chorus. The band backings become much more rhythmic for the last half-chorus, further emphasising the 12:8 feel, and everything from here on in leads to a big finish. We have notated Sam Cooke's vocal part 'as sung' and the vocal key is Ab. We have also included a simplified vocal part in the pack, based on the original melody. There are no sax doubles. Sam Cooke's vocal range also makes this chart suitable for a female alto voice.