The Story Behind The Song
At this time in the 1930's the Lindy Hop and swing music was at its height. Tinturin and I became collaborators and were having much success with the variety of songs we wrote. Peter Tinturin, born in Russia and educated musically in Vienna was a few years my senior and had immigrated to America in the early '30's. His English still retained a heavy European accent but he had a great melodic sense and had adapted himself quickly to our pop music scene.
I had become close friends with Jack and Dave Kapp who were running Decca Records which had a large R & B (Rhythm and Blues) Department, recording such wonderful black talents as Andy Kirk and his Clouds of Joy, Chick Webb's orchestra with a new young vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald; the Mills Brothers and many more.
When Peter and I finished writing the above novelty song, I took it to Dave Kapp. He suggested a few minor lyric changes, which he felt, entitled him to be listed as a co-writer. Since he was in a position to do me a lot more good, I didn't argue. Consequently one of the first recordings we got was Ella Fitzgerald's version. Fats Waller followed suit with his inimitable vocal style and stride pianistics. Our song was high in performances.
