EVERYBODY LOVES A "JAZZ" BAND



This song, published in January 1917 but sung much earlier in Chicago,

is vital for the origin of "jazz." The Lincoln Center Performing Arts

Library didn't have it. So I went to the L. of C., and the song wasn't in

the card file. I was going nuts!

There are about four audio version (with "jass" and "jazz" alternating

in the title), and I heard two of them--both by the same singer. It's a

peppy tune--understandably a hit--and it went like this:



I heard a band the other day

And let me tell you they can play

In such a funny metre

That your feet are

Gonna make your body sway [Just what I need, a limerick!--ed.]



I heard them down in New Orleans

They play a rag called pork and beans

Say you can't get enough

Of that raggy stuff

Although I don't know what it means



CHORUS:

Everybody loves a Jazz Band

Everybody loves a Jazz Band

They play a classy tune

You will croon

They make you think of Alabama!

You'll get right on your feet

And holler out "Repeat!"

'Cause the Jazz Band can't be beat!



They got a funny claronet

And there's a man that plays coronet

In such a funny manner

The piana

Has to show a lot of pep



In every big town cabaret

They find a place where they can play

And if you take the chance

You'll want to dance

Right through the night till break of day



[Spoken] Say, mister piano man! What's this jazz stuff they're all talking

about? Tickle them ivories and show me some!

....Mmman! I don't wonder--[Repeat chorus twice]



Hot dog! Hot dog!

You gotta go!

Some jazz!