April 4: “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Don’t Got That Swing)” | Listener Picks, April 4

Duke Ellington composed the legendary tune “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Don’t Got That Swing)” in 1931. The song was first recorded in February 1932 by Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra, with Ivie Anderson on vocals.

“It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Don’t Got That Swing)” had instant success upon its release, remaining on the top charts for six weeks. Its popularity continued to rise when, later in 1932, it was covered by the Mills Brothers, reaching the top charts once again.

Tune in today as we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with some of this compositions most notable covers!

Many say Ellington – hailed as the prophet of jazz – coined the term “swing” with this composition, and predicted the Swing era which would arise a few years later.

The origin of the song’s name depends on who you ask. Some accounts attribute the phrase to trumpet players James “Bubber” Miley and Cootie Williams. Other versions suggest that Irving Mills used the phrase in a club when telling Ellington that no one was dancing to the music.

The 1932 recording of “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Don’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.

The song has appeared in many films, including Harlem Nights (1989), Swing Kids (1993) and Corrina, Corrina (2000).

There are more than 925 recorded versions of this song, which has been covered by wide-ranging artists including Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt with Stéphane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Chuck Brown, and Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The most recent recording was by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga in the 2014 album Cheek to Cheek. Tune in today as we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with some of this compositions most notable covers!