Following yesterday’s Clyde McCoy song Wah‑Wah Lament, it feels downright mandatory to stay on the McCoy thread and spin his signature number, Sugar Blues — the tune that made Clyde’s wah‑wah trumpet a national novelty sensation.
Columbia, 1931 — The First Taste
Clyde’s original 1931 Columbia recording is a fabulous showcase for that unmistakable wah‑wah style. It’s instantly clear why the record caught fire: nobody else sounded like this, and nobody else could sound like this.
Decca, 1935 — The Definitive Sugar
This is the version I first knew, and it remains the definitive take for me. Clyde kept the same basic arrangement for decades, but this Decca side has that perfect balance of novelty, swagger, and sweetness.
Capitol, 1952 — Sugar Blues Boogie
Todd, 1959 — Hot Sugar Blues
Another playful arrangement, and it sounds especially nice in stereo. Clyde knew how to keep his calling card fresh without ever abandoning the thing that made him Clyde. But Waa-Waa?
Lots of Sugar, Lots of Fun
I love novelty records, intentionally corny music, and idiosyncratic trumpet players — so Sugar Blues has a special place in my heart. And if that sentiment sounds as corny as Clyde’s trumpet, well… that’s part of the charm!
Bonus: Ella Enters
You may have noticed that the sheet music at the top of this post mentions that Ella Fitzgerald had her own Decca recording of Sugar Blues, so let’s give her 1940 version a spin:This comes from the period when Ella was fronting the Chick Webb band after Webb’s untimely death in 1939. It’s always interesting to hear a non‑wah‑wah take on the tune — Ella brings a completely different kind of sweetness.
McCoy Matinee
Before we leave, here's a fun movie short from 1938 featuring Clyde McCoy and his band:
Always nice to see vintage musicians in "live" action!
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