The song of the day today is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” written by Duke Ellington and covered by other musical acts, including The Ink Spots and Glen Gray. Starting as an instrumental piece, lyrics were added in subsequent versions to turn this into a bona fide jazz hit.
Fun Facts
- Duke Ellington was born on April 29, 1899. He began taking piano lessons at age 7, and by age 18, he was playing professionally.
- “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was composed by Ellington in 1940 and originally entitled “Never No Lament.”
- Ellington’s instrumental version reached number 1 on the U.S. R&B chart and number 8 on the U.S. Pop chart.
- In 1942, lyrics were added by Bob Russell. Subsequently, this newer version became a hit.
- The Ink Spots were a vocal jazz band based out of Ohio. This group’s rendition of “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” reached number 1 on the U.S. R&B chart and number 2 on the U.S. Pop chart.
- Another notable version of the song was performed by Glen Gray and The Casa Loma Orchestra. This take on the song featured vocals by the Le Brun Sisters.
- Other artists who have covered “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” include Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Lyrics:
( Musixmatch)
Missed the Saturday dance
Heard they crowded the floor
Couldn’t bear it without you
Don’t get around much anymore
Though I’d visit the club
Got as far as the door
They’d have asked me about you
Don’t get around much anymore
Darling, I guess my mind’s more at ease
But nevertheless why stir up memories?
Been invited on dates
Might have gone but what for?
Awf’lly diff’rent without you
Don’t get around much anymore