Shine

Louis Armstrong

About Shine

Shine (originally titled That's Why They Call Me Shine) is a popular song with lyrics by Cecil Mack and Tin Pan Alley songwriter Lew Brown and music by Ford Dabney. It was published in 1910 by Gotham-Attucks and used by Aida Overton Walker in His Honor the Barber, an African-American road show. According to Perry Bradford, himself a songster and publisher, the song was written about an actual man named Shine who was with George Walker when they were badly beaten during the New York City race riot of 1900. It was later recorded by jazz and jazz influenced artists such as The California Ramblers (their version was very popular in 1924), Louis Armstrong (recorded March 9, 1931 for Okeh Records, catalog No. 41486), Ella Fitzgerald (recorded November 19, 1936 for Decca Records - catalog. No. 1062), Benny Goodman, Harry James, and Frankie Laine (1947 and 1957 - the 1947 version reached No. 9 in the Billboard charts), usually without the explanatory introduction. Bing Crosby & The Mills Brothers recorded the song on February 29, 1932 with Studio orchestra conducted by Victor Young. It was issued on Brunswick Records 11376-A, a 78 rpm record and it is assessed by Joel Whitburn as reaching the No. 7 position in the charts of the day. As a member of The Hoboken Four, Frank Sinatra sang this song in 1935 on Major Bowes Amateur Hour. 


Year:
2006
2,595 
#5

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'Cause my hair is curly
Just because my teeth are pearly
Just because I always wear a smile
Like to dress up in the latest style

'Cause I'm glad I'm livin'
I take these troubles all with a smile
Just because my color's shady
That's the difference, maybe, why they call me

Shine, sway your bluesies
Why don't you shine?
Start with your shoesies
Shine each place up, make it look like new
Shine your face up; I want to see you wear a smile or two

Why don't you shine your these and thoseies?
You'll find everything gonna turn out right fine
Folks will shine up to ya
Everybody's gonna howdy doody do-ya
You'll make the whole world shine

Oh, chocolate drop, that's me

'Cause my hair is curly (man's got curly hair)
Now just because my teeth are pearly (also got pearly teeth)
Just because I always wear a smile (oh, keep on smiling)
Like to dress us, babe, in the latest style

'Cause I'm glad I'm livin'
I take these troubles all with a smile
Now just because my color's shady (you's a shady baby)
That's the difference, maybe, why they call me

Shine away your bluesies
Shine, start with your shoesies
You'll make the whole world shine

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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: CECIL MACK, FORD DABNEY, LEW BROWN

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background
"Shine" performed by Louis Armstrong and The Mills Brothers was recorded on November 18, 1931. This song was a significant addition to early jazz music.
Collaboration
The collaboration was an influential moment in music history as Louis Armstrong, one of the world's best-known trumpeters, worked with The Mills Brothers, a famed American jazz and pop vocal quartet.
Song Origin
The song was originally penned in the 1920s, written by Cecil Mack and Lew Brown with music composed by Ford Dabney.
Rendition Style
Louis Armstrong and Mills Brothers presented a uniquely arranged version of "Shine." Armstrong's virtuosic trumpet performance harmonizes with the flawless, smooth vocal harmonies of The Mills Brothers.
Notable Achievements
The song "Shine" made it to number 2 on the charts in 1932, reflecting its popularity during that era.
Production
Notably, "Shine" was recorded in a single take, reflecting the talent and preparation of the artists.
Racism Context
The song was controversial because the original lyrics contained racist stereotypes common in the era it was written. However, Armstrong and the Mills Brothers performed revised, less offensive lyrics.
Lasting Influence
The song has been covered by numerous performers since Armstrong and the Mills Brothers popularized it, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Paper Doll Connection
Prior to collaborating with Louis Armstrong on "Shine," The Mills Brothers gained fame with their single "Paper Doll," which sold over 6 million copies.
Song Theme
The song "Shine" is essentially about overcoming adversity, which resonated deeply, especially given the societal context and the personal struggles the performers had encountered.

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