Today we follow up on Duke Ellington’s great classic Don’t Get Around Much Anymore with a tour through the song’s earliest years of popularity, beginning in 1942. It’s one of those tunes that instantly took root, and the recordings from its first decade show just how quickly it spread — even across oceans and wartime recording bans.
The Ink Spots (Decca, 1942)
The Ink Spots delivered the definitive early vocal version, a big Decca hit that kind of deconstructs the song. They treat it as a pure vocal number, complete with the rarely‑heard verse — a lovely touch that sets their reading apart.
Glen Gray & the Casa Loma Orchestra with Kenny Sargent and The LeBrun Sisters (Decca, 1942)
A solid, polished band version recorded just days before the AFM recording ban slammed the door shut. Good thing we got at least one full band treatment with lyrics before the freeze.
Hal Goodman & His Orchestra (Hit label, 1943)
The Hit label specialized in “sounds‑like‑they-could-be-real” bandleaders, and “Hal Goodman” fits the mold. The performance is… well… typically whelming, but it’s historically interesting as one of the few U.S. recordings to fill the gap during the ban.
A refreshing reminder of what a real band could do with the tune. Betty Brewer is introduced as a “thrush” rather than a canary — and she delivers a charming, confident vocal over Dorsey’s smooth ensemble.
Across the Atlantic: No Ban, More Fun
With the U.S. recording ban in full effect, we hop to Europe, where studios kept rolling.
Ambrose with Anne Shelton (British Decca, 1943)
A lovely version with some Johnny Hodges‑inspired alto sax lines and Anne’s warm vocal. Elegant and very British in the best way.
The “girl” is Doreen Villiers, whose vocal — paired with gentle guitar reminiscent of the Ink Spots — makes this another standout U.K. reading.
Billy Toffel & the Original Teddies (Elite Special, Sweden, 1943)
A spirited Swedish take. Billy’s English is a little... challenged, but the band swings nicely.
Utterly delightful! Alice’s accent adds personality, and it’s fun hearing her tackle an Ellington tune two decades before her Serenade to Sweden collaboration with Duke.
Kai Ewans & His Swinging 16 (Tono, Denmark, 1944)
A lively Danish version with more Hodges‑style alto and even a Cootie Williams‑esque trumpet break. Great energy!
Back to the U.S.
One more version to close out the 1940s...
Rody Erickson & His Dude Ranch Boys (Black & White, 1948)
A novelty‑leaning, Red Ingle‑flavored romp — clearly having fun with the tune rather than treating it reverently. A blast!
Closing Thoughts
It’s a treat to hear how quickly Don’t Get Around Much Anymore traveled — from Decca hits to wartime airchecks to British dance bands to Scandinavian swing outfits. These early recordings show the tune’s adaptability and charm long before it became a standard with zillions of versions to follow.
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