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Darktown Strutters' Ball

Words and Music by Shelton Brooks - 1917

Verse:
C	G7	C	G7
G	-              E7	Am            D7	G             G7
C	G7	E7	Am
G	-              E7	Am            D7	G             G7
Chorus:
C	-              A7	D7	-
G7	-	C             Cdim	G7
C	-              A7	D7	-
F	Cdim	C                E7	A7
D7	G7	C	-       (G7  to chorus)

8-beat intro.  Play 4-beats for each cell, reading from left to right.

_______

 

Verse:

I've got some good news, Honey, An invitation to the Darktown Ball,

It's a very swell affair, All the "high-browns" will be there,

I'll wear my high silk hat and a frock tail coat, You wear your Paris gown, and your new silk shawl,

There ain't no doubt about it, babe, We'll be the best dressed in the hall.

 

Chorus:

I'll be down to get you in a Taxi, Honey, You better be ready about half past eight,

Now dearie, don't be late, I want to be there when the band starts playing.

Remember when we get there, Honey The two-steps, I'm goin' to have' em all,

Goin' to dance out both my shoes, When they play the "Jelly Roll Blues,"

Tomorrow night at the Darktown Strutters' Ball.

_______

 

Performer Links:

(webpage)

 

Listen to the Marin Banjo Club perform "Darktown Strutters' Ball" (mp3)

 

Listen to Gene Sheldon perform "Darktown Strutters' Ball" (mp3)

 

Watch Jim perform "Darktown Strutters' Ball" in a plectrum banjo medley (youtube, timestamp 1:45)

 

Watch Eddy Davis explain "Darktown Strutters' Ball" on the tenor banjo (youtube)

_______

Arranged by Jim Bottorff

 

This Chord Chart may not appear correctly with some browsers.  It should be viewed with a full size window.

The chord names should appear in single rows.   Let me know of any problems.

 

email: jbott@ix.netcom.com