Perdido

Duke Ellington & His Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald

About Perdido

"Perdido" is a jazz standard composed by Juan Tizol that was recorded on December 3, 1941 by Duke Ellington. However, it is the January 21, 1942, recording of the song on the Victor label by the Ellington orchestra, of which Tizol was a member, that is regarded as the original recording. In 1944, Ervin Drake and Hans Lengsfelder were hired to write lyrics for the song. "Perdido" was not usually sung with the Ellington band, the exception being Ella Fitzgerald on her 1957 album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook. Many others recorded the song, including Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Art Tatum, Quincy Jones, the Charlie Parker Quintet, Dave Brubeck, Charles Mingus, Randy Weston, Erroll Garner, Bill Doggett, and Harry James. "Perdido" is Spanish and means lost, but also sloppy or indecent. The song refers to Perdido Street in New Orleans. 


Year:
1957
6:13
69 

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Perdido
I look for my heart
It`s perdido
I lost it way down in Torito
The day the fiesta started

Bolero
I sway that they play the Bolero
I kissed me the listing sombrero
And that`s when my heart departed

High, was the sun when I held him close
Low, was the moon when we said, adios

Perdido
My heart ever since is Perdido
I know I must go to Torito
To find what I lost Perdido

High, was the sun when I held him close
Low, was the moon when we said, adios

Perdido
Goodnight perdido
I lost perdido

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Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella", was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves (D♭3 to D♭6), she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. more »

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Written by: JUAN TIZOL, HANS LENGSFELDER, ERVIN DRAKE

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

History of Composition
"Perdido" was written by trombonist Juan Tizol and was first recorded by Duke Ellington in 1942. The title translates to "Lost" in English denomination.
Releases by Noteworthy Artists
The song has been performed by numerous acclaimed musicians, including Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, and Sarah Vaughan.
Charlie Parker's Version
Jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, known for his revolutionary be-bop style, performed a rendition of "Perdido" with his unique improvisation and virtuosic capabilities.
Dinah Washington's Version
Dinah Washington, a famed American singer and pianist, renowned for her gospel-infused R&B music, brought her own distinctive interpretation to "Perdido", adding an extra layer of emotive depth.
Ella Fitzgerald's Version
Ella Fitzgerald, often referred to as the "First Lady of Song", provided a scat-filled rendition of "Perdido" in her unique and highly applauded jazzy style.
Quincy Jones' Version
Quincy Jones, an influential figure in the music industry known for his contributions as a composer, arranger, and producer, conducted an orchestral rendition of "Perdido, employing a rich, sophisticated sound palette.
Sarah Vaughan's Version
Sarah Vaughan, crowned as one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century, belted out "Perdido" in her unmistakable contralto, adding a unique touch to the standard.
Impact on Jazz Music
"Perdido" is often seen as a cornerstone in the Jazz repertoire, with these respective versions by Parker, Washington, Fitzgerald, Jones, and Vaughan representing the diversity of interpretation possible within the Jazz genre.
Lingering Influence
The different renditions of "Perdido" by these artists continue to inspire musicians today, demonstrating how the song's timeless appeal extends far beyond its original release date.

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