I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues

Louis Armstrong

About I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues

"I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" is a popular song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ted Koehler, published in 1932 for the Broadway show Earl Carroll's Vanities (1932). The song has become a jazz and blues standard. Popular recordings in 1933 and 1934 were those by Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman.


Year:
2012
3:03
57 

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I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to feel low-down
I gotta right to hang around
Down around the river

A certain gal in this old town
Keeps draggin' my poor (old) heart around
All I see for me is misery

I gotta right to sing the blues
I gotta right to moan and sigh
I gotta right to sit and cry
Down around the river

I know the deep blue sea
Will soon be callin' me
It must be love; say what you choose
I gotta right to sing the blues

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Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong (August 4, 1901 – July 6, 1971), nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. more »

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Written by: HAROLD ARLEN, TED KOEHLER

Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Composer
"I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" was composed by Harold Arlen. Arlen was a prolific of the 20th century and has contributed to the American Songbook classics like "Over the Rainbow" and "Stormy Weather".
Album Placement
Benny Goodman, renowned swing musician best known for his clarinet, included his rendition of "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" in the album "B.G. in Hi-Fi", which was released in 1954.
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong, jazz legend and innovator, also recorded his version of "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues". Armstrong's recording is featured in many of his compilation albums.
Original Release
The song was first published in 1932. Over the years, its lasting appeal has made it a standard in both jazz and blues music.
Lyrics
The lyrics for "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" were written by Ted Koehler. He collaboratively worked with Harold Arlen on many songs, including this one.
Music Style
Though "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" is technically categorized as a blues song, it showcases a lot of jazz influence in its rhythm and melody structure. This is characteristic of Arlen's composition style.
Song Theme
The song has a melancholic theme that ascertains the right of the singer to sing the blues in response to personal sadness or difficulties.
Cover Versions
"I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" has been covered by many artists in varying styles, from Lena Horne's sultry interpretation to Frank Sinatra's swinging version.
Billboard Chart
When Louis Armstrong's recording was released, it became highly popular and climbed its way up the Billboard chart.
Recording Venue
Goodman's rendition of this song was notably recorded at Fine Sound Studios, a well-known Jazz recording studio in New York.
Armstrong's Style
Louis Armstrong's version of "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" showcases his characteristic blend of bluesy vocals and virtuosic trumpet playing.
Goodman's Ensemble
While recording the song, Benny Goodman featured a large band ensemble, which was typical of his musical style.
Song Influence
Due to its wide success, the song served as an influence for many jazz and blues musicians after its release.
Cultural Impact
The song builds upon the tradition of blues singing as a mode of personal expression, becoming an important part of the cultural context of American music.
Legacy Continuation
With its theme of individual rights and freedom of expression, "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" continues to be a significant song in American blues and jazz history.

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