When It's Sleepy Time Down South

Louis Armstrong

About When It's Sleepy Time Down South

"When It's Sleepy Time Down South", also known as "Sleepy Time Down South", is a 1931 jazz song written by Clarence Muse, Leon René and Otis René. It was sung in the movie Safe in Hell by Nina Mae McKinney, and became the signature song of Louis Armstrong, who recorded it almost a hundred times during his career. The song is now considered a jazz standard. Al Hirt released a version on his 1963 album, Our Man in New Orleans, and Harry James released a version on his 1972 album Mr. Trumpet (Longines Symphonette Society SYS 5459/LS 217C/LS 217U). A British cover version was released in 1932 by Bob and Alf Pearson. Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1975 for his album A Southern Memoir. The lyrics concern the Great Migration in the United States, the movement of African Americans from the South to cities in the North, with the singer talking about the "dear old Southland... where I belong", and contain many racial stereotypes. Armstrong's popularity among African-American audiences dropped because of the song, but at the same time it helped the trumpeter to make his fan base broader. There is a 1942 film short of the song where Armstrong and others played slaves and farm workers. 


Year:
2006
3:26
116 
#1

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Homesick tired All alone in a big city 
Why should ev'rybody pity me,
Nighttime's falling, folks are a singin', 
they dance till break of day
Dear Old Southland with it's dreamy songs 
Takes me back there where I belong 
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
 

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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 »

15 fans

Written by: CLARENCE MUSE, LEON RENE, OTIS RENE

Lyrics © OTIS RENE PUBLICATIONS, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin of the Song
"When It's Sleepy Time Down South" is a jazz standard that was originally composed by Clarence Muse, Leon Rene and Otis Rene in 1931.
Louis Armstrong's Signature
The song became best-known when it was recorded by Louis Armstrong, who used it as his theme song for the remainder of his career.
Al Hirt's Version
Trumpeter Al Hirt recorded his version of the song and it was released in 1961 on his album "He's the King and His Band".
Harry James' Adaptation
In 1941, the famous band leader and trumpeter Harry James produced another version of the song. This version was also a hit and further popularized the song beyond the jazz genre.
Song Inspiration
"When It's Sleepy Time Down South" was inspired by life in the southern United States, particularly in Louisiana, where Louis Armstrong was from.
Showcasing Armstrong's Vocal Prowess
Although Armstrong was mainly known for his trumpet playing, this song became a vehicle for him to showcase his distinctive raspy singing voice.
Usage in Films
Louis Armstrong's version of the song was used in numerous films, including "The Glenn Miller Story" (1954) and "The Five Pennies" (1959), as a reflection of Armstrong's influence and popularity in the music industry.
Song Evolution
Over the years, the song evolved from being a faithful representation of Southern life to a symbolic anthem of the longing for home and a simpler time.
Tribute to South
The song remains a classic homage to the American South and its history, culture, and lifestyle.
Recognizability
Even today, "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" remains one of the most recognizable songs from the jazz era, thanks to the renditions by Louis Armstrong, Al Hirt, and Harry James.
Long-lasting Popularity
Despite being written over 90 years ago, "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" continues to be covered by modern artists, underscoring its long-lasting popularity and the timeless quality of its melody and lyrics.

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