I Didn't Know About You

By Duke Ellington and Bob Russell
1944

One of several Ellington big band tunes for which long-time collaborator Russell (pictured) wrote accompanying lyrics. Duke first composed the melody as an instrumental in 1943, and recorded it under the title "Sentimental Lady" with his band for radio broadcast, and when lyrics were added, he recorded it again at the end of 1944 with Joya Sherrill on vocals. However, they were beaten to it a few weeks earlier by Paul Weston's Orchestra, which introduced the song with Jo Stafford and the Pied Pipers on vocals. A wistful jazz favorite, it has occasionally still been recorded over the years under the "Sentimental Lady" banner (perhaps as a connection to Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady").

Lyrics:

I ran around, with my own little crowd
The usual laughs, not often, but loud
And in the world that I knew
I didn't know about you

Chasing after the ring, on the merry-go-round
Just taking my fun, where it could be found
And yet what else could I do
I didn't know about you

Darling, now I know
I had the loneliest yesterday, everyday
In your arms
I know for once in my life, I'm living

Had a good time, everytime I went out
Romance was a thing, I kidded about
How could I know about love
I didn't know about you

Recorded By:

Ella Fitzgerald
June Christy
Woody Herman
Count Basie
Lena Horne

Cocktails for Two

By Arthur Johnston & Sam Coslow
1934

A mellow classic from the Big Band era, this jazzy tune was introduced in the 1934 film Murder at the Vanities, in which it was sung by Carl Brisson. It would soon after become on of the Duke Ellington band's most recognizable numbers. It's lyric is a celebration of the repeal of Prohibition which occured the previous year.

Lyrics:

In some secluded rendezvous
That overlooks the avenue
With someone sharing a delightful chat
Of this and that
And cocktails for two

As we enjoy a cigarette
To some exquisite chansonnette
Two hands are sure to slyly meet beneath
A serviette
With cocktails for two

My head may go reeling
But my heart will be obedient
With intoxicating kisses
For the principal ingredient

Most any afternoon at five
We'll be so glad we're both alive
Then maybe fortune will complete her plan
That all began
With cocktails for two

Recorded By:

Duke Ellington
Spike Jones
Tommy Dorsey
Bing Crosby
Billy May

Solitude

By Duke Ellington, Eddie DeLange & Irving Mills
1934

Few songs are as associated with Billie Holiday as this aching ballad of love in isolation, even though it was Ellington himself who introduced it. Perfectly suited to Lady Day's unique voice, this tune became an instant classic the moment she first recorded it in 1941. It has since become one of the all-time most revered jazz standards.

Lyrics:

In my solitude, you haunt me
With reveries of days gone by.
In my solitude, you taunt me
With memories that never die.

I sit in my chair,
Filled with despair.
Nobody could be so sad.
With gloom ev'rywhere,
I sit and I stare,
I know that I'll soon go mad.

In my solitude, I'm praying,
Dear Lord above, send back my love.

Recorded By:

Billy Eckstine
Ella Fitzgerald
Tony Bennett & Count Basie
Nina Simone
Aretha Franklin

Satin Doll

By Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn & Johnny Mercer
1953

A late standard known for its unusual chord progression, "Satin Doll" was already a big hit as an instrumental by Ellington & Strayhorn before Mercer ever added a lyric. In fact, the Mercer lyric is generally not considered one of his best, and Ella Fitzgerald notably recorded a scat version which didn't even make use of it. Still, the song remains popular in both versions.

Lyrics:

Cigarette holder,
Which wigs me.
Over her shoulder,
She digs me.
Out cattin'
That satin doll.

Baby, shall we go
Out skippin'?
Careful, amigo,
You're flippin'
Speaks Latin,
That satin doll.

She's nobody's fool,
So I'm playin' it cool as can be.
I'll give it a whirl,
But I ain't for no girl catchin' me.

Telephone numbers,
Well, you know.
Doin' my rhumbas
With uno,
And that's my satin doll.

Recorded By:

101 Strings
The Gaylords
Nancy Wilson
Frank Sinatra
Ella Fitzgerald

I'm Beginning to See the Light

By Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Don George & Harry James
1944

One of the Duke's all-time classic compositions, which naturally became closely related with his orchestra. The Ellington band recorded it in 1945, but it was Ella Fitzgerald & The Ink Spots who introduced it earlier that same year. A sophisticated melody, combined with a sophisticated lyric make this one an immortal gem.

Lyrics:

I never cared much for moonlit skies,
I never wink back at fireflies.
But now that the stars are in your eyes,
I'm beginning to see the light.

I never went in for afterglow,
Or candlelight on the mistletoe.
But now when you turn the lamp down low,
I'm beginning to see the light.

Used to ramble through the park,
Shadowboxing in the dark,
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now.

I never made love by lantern-shine,
I never saw rainbows in my wine.
But now that your lips are burning mine,
I'm beginning to see the light.

Recorded By:

Billy Eckstine
Harry James
Frank Sinatra
Kelly Rowland
Bobby Darin

Just Squeeze Me

By Duke Ellington & Lee Gaines
1941

Although originally written by Ellington for his 1941 "Negro revue" Jump for Joy, the Ellington band didn't make the very first recording of the song until five years later. It would not become a hit until Paul Weston's version hit it big later in 1946. The classic tune is a fine example of the Duke's lively, swinging style, fitted perfectly to Gaines' staccato lyrics.

Lyrics:

Treat me sweet and gentle
When you hold me tight.
Just squeeze me,
But please, don't tease me.

I get sentimental
When you hold me tight.
Come and squeeze me,
But please don't tease me.

Missing you since you went away,
Singing the blues most everyday,
Counting the nights and longing for you.

I'm in the mood to let you know
I never knew I loved you so.
Please tell me that you love me, too.

For when I get that feeling,
I'm in ecstasy.
Come on, squeeze me,
But please, don't tease me.

Recorded By:

Diana Krall
Jane Monheit
Ella Fitzgerald
Sarah Vaughan
Les Brown

Mood Indigo

By Duke Ellington, Barney Bigard & Irving Mills
1930

The melody for this tune was actually learned by Bigard from his clarinet teacher, who called it, "Mexican Blues". It was composed for an October 1930 radio broadcast, on which it was announced as "Dreamy Blues". Further, in 1987, lyricist Mitchell Parish would come forward claiming to have actually written the words, the credit for which was allegedly taken by Mills due to his being the publisher's brother.

Lyrics:

You ain't been blue; no, no, no.
You ain't been blue,
Till you've had that mood indigo.
That feelin' goes stealin' down to my shoes,
While I sit and sigh, "Go 'long blues".

Always get that mood indigo,
Since my baby said goodbye.
In the evenin' when lights are low,
I'm so lonesome I could cry.

'Cause there's nobody who cares about me,
I'm just a soul who's
Bluer than blue can be.
When I get that mood indigo,
I could lay me down and die.

Recorded By:

Frank Sinatra
Ella Fitzgerald
Nat King Cole
Nina Simone
Paul Robeson

Take the "A" Train

By Billy Strayhorn & Joya Sherrill
1939

Inspired by Duke Ellington's directions to new writer Strayhorn upon his hire, this seminal jazz classic became the theme song of the Ellington band, replacing "Sepia Panorama", after is was first recorded in February 1941. Duke's son Mercer recalled rescuing the composition out of the trash, after Strayhorn had discarded it for being too similar to an arrangement by Fletcher Henderson, whose style had inspired the song. 17-year-old Sherrill contributed the lyrics in 1944, after herfather brought her to Ellington's attention. She promptly became a singer with the band as well.

Lyrics:

You must take the "A" train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem.

If you miss the "A" train,
You'll find you've missed the quickest way to Harlem.

Hurry, get on, now, it's coming.
Listen to those rails a-thrumming.

Get on the "A" train--
Soon, you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem.

Recorded By:

Dave Brubeck
Mel Torme
Sarah Vaughan
Dexter Gordon
Oscar Peterson

Caravan

By Juan Tizol & Irving Mills
1936

Generally considered the first Latin jazz song, this tune was composed by legendary trombonist Tizol for the Duke Ellington band, but it was actually the Barney Bigard orchestra that introduced it prior to Duke making it one of his signature songs. It's exotic flavor made it a favorite of lounge/exotica bandleaders like Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman. Mills' lyrics are rarely heard.

Lyrics:

Night and stars above that shine so bright,
The mystery of their fading light
That shines upon our caravan.

Sleep upon my shoulder as we creep
Across the sand so I may keep
The memory of our caravan.

This is so exciting,
You are so inviting,
Resting in my arms,
As I thrill to the magic charms

Of you beside me here beneath the blue,
My dream of love is coming true,
Within our desert caravan!

Recorded By:

Ella Fitzgerald
Billy Eckstine
Dave Brubeck
Maynard Ferguson
Freddie Hubbard

In a Sentimental Mood

By Duke Ellington, Irving Mills & Manny Kurtz
1935

Composed as a jazz instrumental by Ellington, the song had lyrics added by Mills and Kurtz later on. Ellington's own orchestra naturally made the first recording, but the origin of the song can reportedly be found in an after-hours party at which Ellington and company were present. To quell an argument that had broken out, Duke spontaneously broke into the tune on the spot.

Lyrics:

In a sentimental mood,
I can see the stars come through my room,
While your loving attitude
Is like a flame that lights the gloom.

On the wings of every kiss
Drifts a melody so strange and sweet.
In this sentimental bliss,
You make my paradise complete.

Rose petals seem to fall.
It's all I could dream to call you mine.
My heart's a lighter thing
Since you made this night a thing divine.

In a sentimental mood,
I'm within a world so heavenly,
For I never dreamt that you'd be loving sentimental me.

Recorded By:

Ella Fitzgerald
Billy Joel
John Coltrane
Art Tatum
Stan Getz

Sophisticated Lady

By Duke Ellington, Irving Mills & Mitchell Parish
1932

The epitome of all that was once classy about popular music, and is no longer. Ellington & Mills originally wrote it as a stand-alone melody, with the title referring to the Duke's memories of his old grade school teachers, who taught in the winter and vacationed in Europe, which to him "spelled sophistication." When Parish added the lyrics later, Ellington described them as "wonderful--but not entirely fitted to my original conception."

Lyrics:

They say into your early life romance came,
And in this heart of yours burned a flame,
A flame that flickered one day and died away.

Then, with disillusion deep in your eyes,
You learned that fools in love soon grow wise.
The years have changed you, somehow.
I see you now...

Smoking, drinking, never thinking of tomorrow, nonchalant.
Diamonds shining, dancing, dining with some man in a restaurant.
Is that all you really want?

No, sophisticated lady,
I know you miss the love you lost long ago,
And when nobody is nigh, you cry.

Recorded By:

Billie Holiday
Ella Fitzgerald
Thelonious Monk
Art Tatum
Sarah Vaughan

I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

By Duke Ellington & Paul Francis Webster

1941

Ellington's West Coast revue Jump for Joy contained this extremely popular composition of his. It was introduced on stage by Ivie Anderson (pictured), and recorded by her and Ellington soon after. Unfortunately, the onset of World War II contributed to the show's disappointing failure, meaning it would never make it to Broadway as Duke hoped.

Lyrics:

The poets say that all who love are blind;
But I'm in love and I know what time it is!
The Good Book says "Go seek and ye shall find."
Well, I have sought and my what a climb it is!
My life is just like the weather,
It changes with the hours;
When he's near I'm fair and warmer,
When he's gone I'm cloudy with showers;
In emotion, like the ocean it's either sink or swim,
When a woman loves a man like I love him.

Never treats me sweet and gentle the way he should;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!
My poor heart is sentimental not made of wood;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!

But when the weekend's over,
And Monday rolls aroun'
I end up like I start out,
Just cryin' my heart out.

He don't love me like I love him, nobody could;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!
Like a lonely weeping willow lost in the wood;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!
And the things I tell my pillow, no woman should;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!

Though folks with good intentions
Tell me to save my tears,
I'm glad I'm mad about him--
I can't live without him.

Lord above me, make him love me the way he should;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good...

Recorded By:

Benny Goodman
Ella Fitzgerald
Count Basie
Tony Bennett
Bunny Berigan

I'm Just a Lucky So-and-So

By Duke Ellington & Mack David
1945

One of many timeless tunes composed by Ellington for his legendary big band. The lyricist, Mack David (pictured) was the older brother of Burt Bacharach lyricist Hal David. He is better known for his Disney work, which includes the Oscar-nominated "Bibiddi Bobbidi Boo". David also put words to the 1961 Shirelles hit "Baby It's You", and did a lot of TV work, including the memorable Looney Tunes TV theme "This Is It".

Lyrics:

As I walk down the street,
Seems everyone I meet
Gives me a friendly hello.
I guess I'm just a lucky so-and-so.

The birds in every tree
Are all so neighborly,
They sing wherever I go.
I guess I'm just a lucky so-and-so.

If you should ask me the amount
In my bank account,
I'd have to confess that I'm slippin'.
But that don't worry me--confidentially,
I've got a dream that's a pippin'.

And when the day is through,
Each night I hurry to
A home where love waits, I know.
I guess I'm just a lucky so-and-so

Recorded By:

Sam Cooke
Ella Fitzgerald
Sarah Vaughan
Diana Krall
Tony Bennett

I'm Beginning to See the Light

By Johnny Hodges, Duke Ellington, Harry James & Don George
1944

With a melody originating in the mind of saxophonist Johnny Hodges (pictured), this song had the benefit of being fleshed out by legendary bandleaders Duke Ellington and Harry James. It was Ellington whose influence can be more easily heard, with his "conversational" style of contrasting melodic phrases. Lyricist George was tapped for the words, which make clever references to all sorts of light imagery. Both Ellington and James recorded it in 1945, but while the Duke's version made it to #6 on the charts, ironically it would be James' rendition that hit the top spot.

Lyrics:

I never cared much for moonlit skies,
I never wink back at fireflies,
But now that the stars are in your eyes,
I'm beginning to see the light.

I never went in for afterglow,
Or candlelight on the mistletoe,
But now when you turn the lamp down low,
I'm beginning to see the light.

Used to ramble through the park,
Shadowboxing in the dark,
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now.

I never made love by lantern-shine,
I never saw rainbows in my wine,
But now that your lips are burning mine,
I'm beginning to see the light.

Recorded By:

Ella Fitzgerald & The Ink Spots
Bobby Darin
Michael Buble
Frank Sinatra
Kelly Rowland

Lush Life

By Billy Strayhorn
1933

As rich and moving as a popular song can be, "Lush Life" has become as much a part of the jazz tradition as the pop tradition, owing to its origins with Duke Ellington's brilliant collaborator Strayhorn. Amazingly, this minor-key dirge for lost love was mainly written when the composer was a mere 16. He continued to refine the song for another five years, but didn't introduce it publicly until 1948, when he performed it at Carnegie Hall with the Ellington Orchestra and Kay Davis on vocals.

Lyrics:

I used to visit all the very gay places,
Those come-what-may places,
Where one relaxes on the axis of the wheel of life,
To get the feel of life...
From jazz and cocktails.

The girls I knew had sad and sullen gray faces,
With distant gay traces,
That used to be there, you could see where they'd been washed away
By too many through the day...
Twelve o'clock tales.

Then you came along with your siren of song
To tempt me to madness!
I thought for a while that your poignant smile was tinged with the sadness
Of a great love for me.

Ah yes! I was wrong...
Again,I was wrong.

Life is lonely again,
And only last year, everything seemed so sure.
Now life is awful again,
A trough-full of hearts could only be a bore.
A week in Paris will ease the bite of it.
All I care is to smile in spite of it.

I'll forget you, I will,
While yet you are still burning inside my brain.
Romance is mush,
Stifling those who strive.
I'll live a lush life in some small dive...
And there Ill be, while I rot
With the rest of those whose lives are lonely, too.

Recorded By:

John Coltrane
Johnny Hartman
Sarah Vaughan
Nat King Cole
Jack Jones