Honeysuckle Rose

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Honeysuckle Rose (Fats Waller, Andy Razaf)

“Honeysuckle Rose” was introduced as a dance number in the 1929 revue, Load of Coal, at Connie’s Inn in Harlem by its composer, Thomas “Fats” Waller. “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” also written that year for the musical revue Hot Chocolates, would become the two most enduring compositions born of the longtime collaboration of Waller and lyricist Andy Razaf.

Fats Waller & his Rhythm — 1934(?)

Mildred Bailey and her Alley Cats — recorded in New York on 6 December 1935; issued on Decca 18108, b/w “Willow Tree” (Fats Waller)

Mildred Bailey – vocal
Bunny Berigan – trumpet
Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone
Teddy Wilson – piano
Grachan Moncur – bass

Count Basie and his Orchestra — recorded in NYC on 21 January 1937

Fats Waller & his Rhythm— recorded in New York on 9 April 1937; issued in December 1937 on the 78 rpm single (UK) His Master’s Voice C.2937, b/w “Blue Turning Grey Over You”

Coleman Hawkins and his All-Star Jam Band – 1937

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra – live at Carnegie Hall, 16 January 1938

Svend Asmussen Kvintet – recorded 26 June 1940, released as the B-side of the single Star Dust

Fats Waller & His Rhythm — 1941 Soundie, Honeysuckle Rose

The short film features guitar solos by Al Casey and a tenor sax solo by Gene Sedric. Waller’s ‘rose’ is dancer Vivian Brown who had danced at the Cotton Club in an act with her twin sister Hilda (Hibby), called The Brown Twins. The volume is quite low; but the picture is better than the other available versions.