Ain't Nobody's Business

Jimmy Witherspoon, Mel Tormé

About Ain't Nobody's Business

"Ain't Nobody's Business" (originally "Tain't Nobody's Biz-ness if I Do") is a 1920s blues song that became one of the first blues standards. It was published in 1922 by Porter Grainger and Everett Robbins. The song features a lyrical theme of freedom of choice and a vaudeville jazz–style musical arrangement. It was first recorded, as "'Tain't Nobody's Biz-ness if I Do", in 1922 by Anna Meyers, backed by the Original Memphis Five. Recordings by other classic female blues singers, including Sara Martin, Alberta Hunter, and Bessie Smith soon followed. In 1947, the song was revived by the jump blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon as "Ain't Nobody's Business". It was the best-selling race record of 1949 and inspired numerous adaptations of the song. In 2011, Witherspoon's rendition was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame as a "Classic of Blues Recording". 


Year:
2003
33 
#2

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Jimmy Witherspoon

Jimmy Witherspoon (August 8, 1920 – September 18, 1997) was an American jump blues singer. more »

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11 facts about this song

Historical Context
"Ain't Nobody's Business" is an American blues song that became one of the first blues standards. It was first recorded by Anna Meyers, backed by the Original Memphis Five.
Jimmy Witherspoon's Version
While many artists have covered the song, Jimmy Witherspoon's version is particularly well-regarded in the blues community. He recorded several versions of the song throughout his career.
Song's Authorship
The song is usually credited to Porter Grainger and Everett Robbins, but Jimmy Witherspoon's version contains different lyrics and musical arrangement, making it unique and all his own.
Song's Duration
Jimmy Witherspoon's version of "Ain't Nobody's Business" is usually about five minutes long, a typical length for a blues song of the period.
Song's Theme
The song's lyrics convey the classic blues theme of sorrow and heartbreak, while also asserting the singer's independence and resilience in the face of hard times.
Impact on Music
Jimmy Witherspoon's raw and powerful delivery of "Ain't Nobody's Business" has influenced numerous blues and rock musicians, who cited him as a major influence.
Song's Relevance
Despite being originally released in the 1940s, "Ain't Nobody's Business" remains relevant and popular today, such that it is often included in blues compilations and collections.
Live Performances
Jimmy Witherspoon's live performances of this song were often highly energetic and emotional, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed them.
Song's Recognition
"Ain't Nobody's Business" has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance."
Song's Popularity
Apart from being a hit in the United States, the track also gained immense popularity in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, making it an international standard in the blues repertoire.
Commercial Success
"Ain't Nobody's Business" was one of Jimmy Witherspoon's biggest hits, and it helped to solidify his reputation as one of the leading blues singers of his era.

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