"Ain't Misbehavin'" was written in 1929, with lyrics by Andy Razaf and music by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks, for a Harlem cabaret show called Connie's Hot Chocolates. It later moved to Broadway, with the title shortened to Hot Chocolates, with Louis Armstrong conducting the orchestra. Armstrong's trumpet solo of "Ain't Misbehavin'" was so popular that he eventually played it on stage instead of from the orchestra pit. Waller released it in 1929, and so did Armstrong and four others. It is probably best known today from Waller's filmed 1942 performance in Stormy Weather.
Audio only:
Audio only:
Audio only:
I don't think I've ever before heard such a long bass intro:
Audio only:
Audio only, from 1929:
Must be an acquired taste:
And I think we all pretty much prefer it with "Ain't" (though I've gotta admit, it's hard to turn away)
Great song. No one can top Fats. But Ruth Etting’s recording is precious — the version I had learned 50 years ago. Thanks for including it with the classics of Ella & Billie.