It_dont_mean_a_thing_if_it_aint_got_that_swing | Working

: Historian Gunther Schuller called the piece "prophetic," as it predicted the massive popularity of swing music later in the decade. Legacy and Notable Covers

: The call-and-response refrain became an iconic part of the song's identity. it_dont_mean_a_thing_if_it_aint_got_that_swing

The original recording featured the distinctive vocals of , marking her first appearance with the Ellington Orchestra. Notable instrumental solos were performed by trombonist Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton and alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges . Key musical elements that made it a hit include: : Historian Gunther Schuller called the piece "prophetic,"

Ellington wrote the melody during intermissions at the in Chicago. The title was inspired by the personal credo of his former trumpeter, Bubber Miley , who was dying of tuberculosis at the time. Ellington described the phrase as the "expression of a sentiment which prevailed among jazz musicians" of that period. While Ellington composed the music, the lyrics were contributed by his manager and publisher, Irving Mills . Musical Significance Notable instrumental solos were performed by trombonist Joe