“Bad News Blues” was a tune published in 1923 composed by Harry Akst with lyrics by Benny Davis. It was recorded by Original Memphis Five (as Ladd’s Black Aces) in June of 1923 for Gennett, and also that same month for Pathé / Perfect (as “Sad News Blues”).
It is not clear why the song title was changed – but when they recorded it a third time, in September of 1923 for Plaza Music Company (who then likely licensed the master to Grey Gull), it was also released as “Sad News Blues”.
In any case, it’s a real treat – neither sad nor bad at all! Thankfully, even on dime store shellac, the sound quality is quite good.
Recorded in New York City on September 6, 1923.
Released as Grey Gull 1184.
Credits
Phil Napoleon – trumpet
Miff Mole – trombone
Jimmy Lytell – clarinet
Frank Signorelli – piano
Jack Roth – drums
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