| "Weed Smoker's Dream" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Single byHarlem Hamfats | |
| B-side | "Little Girl" |
| Released | 1936 (1936) |
| Recorded | Chicago, October 2, 1936 |
| Genre | Blues,jazz |
| Length | 3:19 |
| Label | Decca |
| Songwriters | Kansas Joe McCoy,Herb Morand |
"Why Don't You Do Right?" (originally recorded as "Weed Smoker's Dream" in 1936) is an Americanblues andjazz-influenced pop song usually credited toKansas Joe McCoy.[1] Aminor keytwelve-bar blues with a fewchord substitutions, it is considered a classic "woman's blues" song and has become astandard. SingerLil Green recorded a popular rendition in 1941, whichPeggy Lee recorded the next year – accompanied byBenny Goodman – and made one of her signature songs.
The song appeared in the 1988 filmWho Framed Roger Rabbit, performed by actressAmy Irving as the singing voice ofJessica Rabbit.[2]
In 1936, theHarlem Hamfats jazz band recorded "The Weed Smoker's Dream". The originalDecca Records release listed the songwriters as "McCoy-Moran" (Kansas Joe McCoy andHerb Morand were members of the band). McCoy later rewrote the song, refining the composition and lyrics. The new tune, titled "Why Don't You Do Right?", was recorded byLil Green in 1941,[3] with guitar byWilliam "Big Bill" Broonzy. The recording was an early jazz and blues hit.[4]
The song has its roots in blues music and originally dealt with a marijuana smoker reminiscing about lost financial opportunities. As it was rewritten, it takes on the perspective of the female partner, who chastises her man for his irresponsible ways, complaining that her other lovers provide her with more money:[5] "Why don't you do right, like some other men do? Get out of here and get me some money too."[6]
| "Why Don't You Do Right?" | |
|---|---|
 Benny Goodman and His Orchestra with Peggy Lee, performing "Why Don't You Do Right?" inStage Door Canteen (1943) | |
| Single byBenny Goodman withPeggy Lee | |
| B-side | "Six Flats Unfurnished" |
| Released | 1942 (1942) |
| Recorded | New York, July 27, 1942 |
| Genre | Jazz |
| Length | 3:12 |
| Label | Columbia |
| Songwriter | Kansas Joe McCoy |
One of the best-known versions of the song was recorded byPeggy Lee andBenny Goodman on July 27, 1942, in New York.[7] Featured in the 1943 film,Stage Door Canteen, it sold over one million copies,[7] and brought her to nationwide attention.[8]
Lee often stated that Green's recording was influential to her music. In a 1971 interview[9] she said, "I had the record, and I used to play it over and over in my dressing room, which was next to Benny Goodman ... Finally ... he said, 'I think you really like that song.' I said, 'Oh, I love it.' He said, 'Would you like to sing it?'" Lee said yes, so Goodman had an arrangement made of it for Lee to sing.[3]
"Why Don't You Do Right?" reached number four on both theBillboard chart[7] and theHarlem Hit Parade chart.[10]
Lee also recorded asoundie version of the song which appeared in the 2010 video gameFallout: New Vegas on the in-game radio station of Radio New Vegas.[11]
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