Dinah

Ethel Waters

About Dinah

"Dinah" is a popular song published in 1925 and introduced by Ethel Waters at the Plantation Club on Broadway. It was integrated into the show Kid Boots. The music was written by Harry Akst and the lyrics by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young. Hit versions in 1926 were by Ethel Waters, The Revelers, Cliff Edwards, and Fletcher Henderson. One singer, Fannye Rose Shore, became so identified with the song that DJ Martin Block called her "Dinah Shore", which then stuck as her stage name for the next 50 years.  


Year:
1999
2:47
185 
#1

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Carolina 
Gave me Dinah; 
I'm the proudest one 
Beneath the Dixie sun. 

News is spreadin' 
'Bout our weddin'; 
I hear church bells ringin', 
Here's the song my heart keeps singin': 

Dinah, 
Is there anyone finer 
In the state of Carolina? 
If there is and you know her, 
Show her! 

Dinah, 
With her Dixie eyes blazin', 
How I love to sit and gaze in 
To the eyes of Dinah Lee! 

Yet, every night, 
My, how I shake with fright, 
Because my Dinah might, 
Change her mind about me! 

But if Dinah, 
Ever wandered to China, 
I would hop an ocean liner, 
Just to be with Dinah Lee! 

Dinah, 
Is there anyone finer 
In the state of Carolina? 
If there is and you know her, 
Show her! 

Dinah, 
With her Dixie eyes blazin', 
How I love to sit and gaze in 
To the eyes of Dinah Lee! 

Yet, every night, 
My, how I shake with fright, 
Because my Dinah might, 
Change her mind about me! 

But if Dinah, 
Ever wandered to China, 
I would hop an ocean!, 
Just to be with Dinah Lee! 

 Struggling with Dinah? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters (October 31, 1896 – September 1, 1977) was an American blues, jazz and gospel vocalist and actress. She frequently performed jazz, big band, and pop music, on the Broadway stage and in concerts, although she began her career in the 1920s singing blues. more »

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Written by: Harry Akst, Samuel M. Lewis, Joseph Young

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Dinah" is a 1925 hit song from the show "No, No, Nanette," surprisingly, Ethel Waters, Fletcher Henderson, and The Revelers were not the original performers. The song became popular in their repertoires later.
Ethel Waters' Performance
Ethel Waters, a significant jazz vocalist and actress, was one of the first African American women to be embraced by mainstream white audiences in the 1920s and '30s. Her performance of "Dinah" is considered a classic example of early jazz vocals.
Fletcher Henderson's Contribution
Fletcher Henderson, a pivotal jazz pianist and bandleader, not only performed the song, but also arranged it. He is known for standardizing the jazz orchestra and making it a staple in the Swing era. His rendition of"Dinah" showcases his skillful and innovative arrangements that influenced many following jazz artists.
The Revelers' Version
Known for their harmonious a cappella singing, The Revelers made "Dinah" a popular song in the 1920s. Their version is considered quintessential Roaring Twenties music.
Popularity
"Dinah" was not just popular in America; the song also had significant international success. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy refrain made it an international jazz standard among both musicians and listeners.
Impact on Music Industry
The song "Dinah" has been covered by numerous artists throughout the years, evidencing its lasting impact in the music industry. Performers such as Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and The Mills Brothers contributed in making the song a pop standard.
Film Appearance
The song "Dinah" appeared in the 1955 drama film "The Man with the Golden Arm." Ethel Waters' version was used in the soundtrack, heightening the drama and tension of the film's narrative.
Musical Style Legacy
The song "Dinah," through the performances of Waters, Henderson, and The Revelers, contributed to the development and popularization of the jazz and swing genres, leaving a significant legacy in the global music scene.
Symbol of Musical Integration
The universal appeal and broad variety of artists who covered "Dinah" make the song a symbol of musical integration. From jazz to pop, the song unified different music genres and audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its musical impact, "Dinah" also holds cultural significance as it highlighted the contributions of Black artists like Ethel Waters and Fletcher Henderson to the mainstream music industry, demonstrating the importance and influence of Black music in the evolution of jazz and American popular music.

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