“Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf.
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a 1929 jazz and early swing song written by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf. It was first performed by Paul Bass and Margaret Simms at the premiere of Connie’s Hot Chocolates – a comedy musical revue written by Waller, Brooks, and Razaf – at Connie’s Inn, Harlem. The show eventually made its way to the Hudson Theatre on Broadway in June 1929, where it was renamed Hot Chocolates and Louis Armstrong made his debut as director of the pit band.
By the end of 1929 there were six recordings of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by not just Waller but also Louis Armstrong, Bill Robinson, Gene Austin, Ruth Etting, and Leo Reisman and his orchestra. The song was then rerecorded with vocals for the 1943 movie Stormy Weather, further exposing the song to a much wider audience. Since then the song has been covered by a diverse range of artists including Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke, and country music artist Hank Williams Jr., to name a few.
Typically sold for $9.95, the sheet music for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is free to download during May 2023. This version is arranged for solo piano and based on this performance by Stan Whitmire.
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Here Are Some Fun Facts About “Ain’t Misbehavin’”:
- In 1978 a musical called Ain’t Misbehavin’ was released on Broadway. It celebrated the life of Fats Waller, featuring many of his most famous songs including the title track, and it also portrayed life in the 1920s.
- Fats Waller posthumously received the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 for his 1943 version of “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
- During the original Broadway run of Hot Chocolates, Louis Armstrong was only supposed to play “Ain’t Misbehavin’” as a trumpet solo to reprise the opening. However, his performance was so well received, he was asked to come out of the orchestra pit band and play it on stage.
- This arrangement of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is played in the key of Eb major at 75 BPM.
This version of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Joanne V.
Spring Sale Discount Continues in May
If you remember last month’s email, then you will know that we announced a Spring sale discount on all custom sheet music orders. The good news is that this offer is still ongoing and will continue until the end of May.
To save 20% off your order for a custom transcription, arrangement, and/or backing track, simply type in the code SPRINGSALE at checkout and you will claim the offer. You will receive the same accurate, high-quality work that you have come to expect from our supremely talented team.
