It's amazing to think that this song, still so very playable, is nearly 100 years old. So many musicians have done versions of it and in so many genres (including a chamber music version.) For me, the Darktown Strutters' Ball is somewhere close to Dixieland, even though Shelton Brooks was born in Canada. Duke Ellington sat in with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for this rendition. There is also a 1975 Blaxploitation film with the same name. Truth is always a little stranger than a night at the Darktown Strutters' Ball.
VERSE
I’ve got some good news honey
An invitation to the Darktown ball
It’s a very swell affair
All the HIghbrows will be there
You’ll wear your high silk hat and a frock tail coat
I’ll wear my Paris gown and a new silk shawl
There ain’t no doubt about it babe
We’ll be the best dressed in the ball
CHORUS
I’ll be down to getcha in a taxi honey
You better be ready ‘bout half past eight
Now baby don’t be late - I wanna be there
When the band starts swinging
Remember when we get there, honey
The two-step: I’m going to have them all
I’m goin’ to dance out both my shoes
When they play those Jelly Roll blues
Tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutters Ball
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