Hi Friends,
This month we are working on one of the coolest popular blues tunes of the 1940s. I'm talking about Lil Green's "Why Don't You Do Right". We will be doing the small band Peggy Lee version this time with special guest Sunny Crownover singing it for you. Peggy Lee hounded Benny Goodman to record this tune in the 40s when she was his vocalist and he kept turning her down until they did a session where they were short a tune and he gave in. It subsequently became a huge hit as Peggy had told him it would be.
The tune Is a simple blues in D minor with a few easy twists and it's a lot of fun to play. The 5-sharp 5 at the end of the verse makes it a fun tune with the little variation in the structure. So get down the chords folks and get use to playing rhythm for 7 or 8 choruses on it. I suggest playing along with the 1950 version of Peggy's on YouTube to get the feel.
Enjoy!
Duke
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
standards
Duke Robillard
Lil Green
Big Bill Broonzy
Why Don't You Do Right
Note: The Peggy Lee version that Duke mentions is in the Background Listening
Loop 0:52 Intro to Why Don't You Do Right
Loop 1:47 Breakdown of Chords
Loop 4:07 Practice Loop of Intro, Main Chorus and Ending
Intro
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Main Chorus
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Ending
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Loop 5:38 Other Ideas & Variations
Loop 6:38 Practice with Duke (with Variation Ideas)
Loop 8:47 Closing Thoughts
Print Chords & Tab
Comments
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Possibly my earliest and first introduction to the blues, I recall my Mum teaching this song to me when I was but 4 or 5 years old (late '50s). Growing up in Liverpool UK in the '20s, she had played the piano from about the age of 3 and knew and played virtually every song from the Great American Songbook. This brings back great memories for me; and for that I thank you, Duke.
Wow , great song . Thanks Duke . And really glad to see you back .
Thanks Bruce!
Adding my voice to the chorus, Duke -- welcome back! Of course your presence was always felt. I'm still working on playing Boy Meets Goy along with Charlie and Benny. I can do it pretty well at about 89% speed so far. I never thought I'd be able to pay a Charlie Christian solo on guitar! Thank you Duke, Paul and Sonic Junction!
I love that Black Coffee record too. I have the 10" version and listen to it often. She really had wonderful time.
Thanks Everone, It's great to BE back!
Thanks again Charlie, "Tales from the Tiki Lounge" is absolutly of of my favorite projects I've ever recorded.
Hi Charlie,The Black Coffee Album is supurb, as are many of her releases. The bio "Is That all there is?" is a fantastic read and really got me ever more into Peggy. Duke
Cool - I'm definatley going to get a copy. Really digging this tune!
Great to see you back Duke : )
And what a tune! I've been really digging a lot of Peggy Lee recently, especially the 'Black Coffee' album.
Forgot to say how cool it is Sunny's joining on this one. Your album 'Tales from the Tiki Lounge' is one of my all time favourites!
Love this song, great to have you back!!!
Love the song Duke! --- and the Peggy Lee version is great --- vocals, guitar, piano are all fantastic.