Sugar Blues

Ella Fitzgerald

About Sugar Blues

"Sugar Blues" is a song written in 1919 by Clarence Williams with words by Lucy Fletcher. It was recorded for the first time by Leona Williams and her Dixie Band in August 1922. Sara Martin recorded it with Williams at the piano later that year. It was later recorded by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, Fats Waller, and Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb and his Orchestra (1939) and others. The song became popular in 1936 as the trumpeter Clyde McCoy's theme song, featuring the sound of the growling wah-wah mute. As an instrumental, it was also recorded by Count Basie, Johnny Mercer, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Berl Olswanger and his Orchestra. 


Year:
1993
2:44
603 

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Have you heard these blues
That I'm gonna sing to you
When you hear them they will thrill you 
Through and through 
There the sweetest blues you ever heard
Now listen and don't say a word

Sugar blues 
Everybody's singing the sugar blues
The whole towns ringing
My loving man sweet as can be 
But the doggone fools 
Turned sour on me
I'm so unhappy 
Feel so unhappy 
I could lay me down a die
You could say what you choose
But I'm all confused
I got the sweet, sweet sugar blues 
More sugar 
I've got the sugar blues

Sugar blues
Every singing the sugar blues
My loving man sweet as can be 
But the doggone fools 
Turned sour on me
I'm so unhappy 
Feel so unhappy 
I could lay me down a die
You could say what you choose
But I'm all confused
I got the sweet, sweet sugar blues 
More sugar 
I've got the sugar blues

Yea!

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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: BRIAN MICHAEL DOWNEY, WILLIAM SCOTT GORHAM, PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT, SNOWY WHITE

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


16 facts about this song

Genre
"Sugar Blues" is a song that falls into the categories of jazz and blues.
Origination
Originally, the song "Sugar Blues" was written in 1919 by Clarence Williams and Lucy Fletcher.
Cover
The track was covered by many artists, but Ella Fitzgerald's 1958 version is one of the most popular.
Album
Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of "Sugar Blues" appears in her album "Get Happy!".
Musician
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the "First Lady of Song," was a highly revered American jazz singer, admired for her pure tone and ability to mimic instrumental sounds.
Song Theme
"Sugar Blues" is about a woman who's 'got the sugar blues' because her man has left her.
Distinct Quality
Ella Fitzgerald's cover of "Sugar Blues" stands out for her vocal acrobatics and the enriched arrangements it possesses.
Recognition
Although "Sugar Blues" is not one of Ella Fitzgerald's biggest hits, it still holds its place in jazz history due to her unique interpretation and delivery.
Legacy
The song "Sugar Blues" is considered an essential part of the 'great American songbook,' a reflection of the high-quality popular music from the early to mid-20th century.
Performance Style
Ella Fitzgerald was known for her improvisation, and it's no different in "Sugar Blues." She adds her scat singing style to the song, making the performance more lively and engaging.
Collaborations
"Get Happy!", the album "Sugar Blues" is part of, was a collaboration between Ella Fitzgerald and the vocal choir The Randy Van Horne Singers.
Instrumentation
Besides Fitzgerald’s powerful and regular vocals, the song also boasts skillful trumpet and trombone play, contributing to the distinct jazz feel of the song.
Influence
"Sugar Blues" and other similar songs of Ella Fitzgerald played a major role in bringing respect and popularity to jazz music and female vocalists in the music industry.
Cultural Impact
Since its release, the song has been performed by countless artists around the world following in Fitzgerald's footsteps, validating its impact on jazz and blues culture.
Timelessness
Despite being more than six decades old, "Sugar Blues" remains a popular staple in jazz playlists and is frequently covered by modern artists.
Live Performances
Ella Fitzgerald's live interpretation of "Sugar Blues" was widely appreciated, showcasing her ability to engage an audience with her impeccable timing and control over her voice.

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