"Things Ain't What They Used to Be" is a 1942 jazz standard with music by Mercer Ellington and lyrics by Ted Persons. Show
Background[edit]In 1941 there was a strike against the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, of which Duke Ellington was a member. Because of the strike he could not air his songs on the radio. Instead, he used songs written by his son Mercer and pianist Billy Strayhorn.[1] Strayhorn's compositions of this time include "Take the 'A' Train", "Chelsea Bridge" and "Day Dream". Mercer wrote "Things Ain't What They Used to Be", "Blue Serge" and "Moon Mist".[2] Jazz musician and historian Chris Tyle argues that most likely Mercer Ellington came up with the melody and his father then arranged the song for the band.[2] The song is most often played as an instrumental. Lyrics were written by Ted Persons.[1] Johnny Hodges played it first, in Hollywood on July 3, 1941. Other versions[edit]
Popular Culture[edit]
Notes and references[edit]
Imported from The Echo Nest Enter an Apple Music track Written by Mercer EllingtonInstrumentalFirst recorded onNovember 13, 1959Released on
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OriginalsThings Ain't What They Used to Be
First recording and first release by Johnny Hodges and Orchestra (July 3, 1941 / 1942)
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NotesRecorded 13/11/59 Barcode and Other Identifiers
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ListsContributorsWho wrote things ain't what they used to be?Mercer Ellington
What is Charles Mingus best album?The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (Impulse, 1963)
“Black Saint is Charles Mingus' masterpiece“ writes the Penguin Guide to jazz and it certainly is one of the most acclaimed jazz albums in history. On par with “Mingus Ah-Um” it is undoubtedly Mingus' most celebrated work.
How did Charles Mingus change jazz?3. Collective improvisation: Mingus was an acclaimed composer, but he was also a master improviser. Via the Jazz Workshop in New York, he encouraged hard bop players to improvise together much like the brass bands of New Orleans. This approach to improvisation would help inspire the free jazz movement.
What songs did Charles Mingus write?Original songs. |