Ain't Misbehavin' Trivia Quiz

Answer: Written by Fats Waller

"Ain't Misbehavin'" opened on Broadway on February 8, 1978. The cast included Irene Cara, Nell Carter, André DeShields, Armelia McQueen, and Ken Page.

Written in 1929 by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and lyricist Andy Razaf, "Ain't Misbehavin'" was created for the all-Black revue "Connie's Hot Chocolates" at Harlem's Connie's Inn. It was intended as a theme song for the show and became an instant hit when Louis Armstrong performed it during intermission.

In "Ain't Misbehavin'" the musical, it opens Act I, setting the tone of Harlem nightlife. The five performers deliver a lively evening of bold, witty, and spirited songs that capture the diverse moods of the era while expressing Waller's belief that life is a joyful adventure meant for fun and indulgence.

Well before the 1978 revue, it had already became one of the most enduring jazz standards, recorded by Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald (among others), featured in multiple films, and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and National Recording Registry.

Answer: Written by Other Artists

"'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do" (1922) was written by Porter Grainger and Everett Robbins during the height of the Harlem Renaissance. This bold anthem of personal independence became a staple of early blues and jazz repertoires with its defiant lyrics and straightforward melody that captured the spirit of self-expression that defined the era.

Before its revival in later stage productions, it was famously recorded by Bessie Smith and other blues icons, cementing its place as a classic declaration of autonomy in American music history. Of course, the tune was also performed and recorded by Fats Waller, hence its inclusion in "Ain't Misbehavin'," the revue built around his music.

Answer: Written by Fats Waller

Composed by Waller with lyrics by Andy Razaf in 1929, "Honeysuckle Rose" was written for an off-Broadway revue titled "Load of Coal" and quickly became a favorite among jazz musicians for its playful melody and romantic lyrics.

Before appearing early in Act I of the "Ain't Misbehavin'" musical revue in 1978, it had been recorded by over a dozen different jazz legends, and was featured in 1943's musical comedy "Thousands Cheer," performed by Lena Horne.

Answer: Written by Fats Waller

The cheeky song "Squeeze Me" was written by Waller with Clarence Williams in 1925, originally as part of the Harlem cabaret scene. It reflects the intimate, humorous style Waller was known for. In ""Ain't Misbehavin'," it appears mid-Act I, adding flirtatious charm.

Before its inclusion in the 1978 musical, it had been popularized by Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington, while also being recorded by a number of other icons of the era. It remains a classic of the early jazz era.

Answer: Written by Fats Waller

Created by Waller with lyrics by Andy Razaf and J.C. Johnson in 1937, "The Joint is Jumpin'" is a lively anthem that was inspired by Harlem rent parties, where music and dancing helped raise money for rent. It became one of Waller's signature tunes, celebrated for its humour and swing. In the musical, the song closes Act I with high-energy exuberance.

The entire list of songs in Act I of "Ain't Misbehavin'" (with one exception) was written or co-written by Waller:

"Ain't Misbehavin'" (1929)
"Lookin' Good but Feelin' Bad" (1929)
*** "'T Ain't Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do" (1922) - Porter Grainger and Everett Robbins
"Honeysuckle Rose" (1929)
"Squeeze Me" (1925)
"Handful of Keys" (1929)
"I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling" (1929)
"How Ya Baby" (1938)
"Jitterbug Waltz" (1942)
"Ladies Who Sing with the Band" (1943)
"Yacht Club Swing" (1938)
"When the Nylons Bloom Again" (1943)
"Cash for Your Trash" (1942)
"Off-Time" (1929)
"The Joint is Jumpin'" (1937)

Answer: Written by Other Artists

Composed for the Cotton Club revues, Jimmy McHugh and Ted Koehler's "Spreadin' Rhythm Around" (1935) celebrates the infectious energy of swing and dance culture of the era. With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, it reflects the optimism and vibrancy of the jazz age as it transitioned into the swing era.

Prior to its inclusion in later musical revues, it was popularized by performers like Fats Waller and Ella Fitzgerald and featured in stage shows that showcased Harlem's dynamic nightlife. In 1978's "Ain't Misbehavin'," the lively tune opens the second act.

Answer: Written by Fats Waller

Composed by Waller with lyrics by Andy Razaf in 1929 for "Hot Chocolates," "(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue" is a poignant number that addressed racial inequality - a bold move for its time. In the musical, it provides a serious moment mid-way through Act II of 1978's "Ain't Misbehavin'."

Before becoming part of that Fats Waller tribute musical, "Black and Blue" became a jazz standard recorded by legends such as Louis Armstrong and Ethel Waters.

Answer: Written by Other Artists

"Mean to Me" was created by Fred E. Ahlert and Roy Turk in 1929. This tender ballad, written at the close of the Roaring Twenties, became an enduring standard for its heartfelt lyrics and elegant melody. It exemplifies the sophisticated romanticism that characterized much of the era's popular music.

Before appearing in later productions, it was recorded by legends such as Fats Waller, Ruth Etting and Billie Holiday, ensuring its status as a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook.

Answer: Written by Other Artists

"Your Feet's Too Big" (1936), by Fred Fisher and Ada Benson, is a humorous novelty tune from the swing era combining witty lyrics with a jaunty rhythm that made it a favourite for comic relief in jazz performances. Its playful critique and catchy phrasing gave it lasting appeal among audiences looking for lighthearted entertainment.

Originally popularized by Fats Waller, it became a signature piece in his repertoire (and an integral part of the 1978 "Ain't Misbehavin'" musical revue) and remains a classic example of jazz humour.

Answer: Written by Other Artists

"That Ain't Right," was written in 1942 by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills. This sly, conversational number showcases Cole's smooth vocal style and knack for clever phrasing. Its relaxed swing feel and witty lyrics made it a standout in the transition from big-band jazz to more intimate vocal performances.

Before its later revival, it was recorded by Cole himself and quickly became associated with his trio, marking an important step in his rise to stardom. Fats Waller and singer Ada Brown also featured the song as a duet in the 1943 musical film "Stormy Weather."

The complete list of songs from Act II of "Ain't Misbehavin'," with more songs popularized by Waller that were written by other artists (and marked with ***):

*** "Spreadin' Rhythm Around" (1935) - Jimmy McHugh and Ted Koehler
"Lounging at the Waldorf" (1936)
"The Viper's Drag" (1934)
*** "Mean to Me" (1929) - Fred E. Ahlert and Roy Turk
*** "Your Feet's Too Big" (1936) - Fred Fisher and Ada Benson
*** "That Ain't Right" (1942) - Nat King Cole and Irving Mills
"Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" (1932)
"Find Out What They Like" (1934)
*** "Fat and Greasy" (1935) - Porter Grainger and Charles Johnson
"(What Did I Do to Be) Black and Blue" (1929)
*** "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" (1935) - Fred Ahlert and Joe Young
*** "Two Sleepy People" (1938) - Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser
"I've Got my Fingers Crossed" (1935)
*** "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" (1928) - Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields
*** "It's a Sin to Tell a Lie" (1936) - Billy Mayhew
"Honeysuckle Band" (Reprise medley, based on "Honeysuckle Rose" (1929))