Andy Razaf

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Andy Razaf (December 16, 1895 – February 3, 1973), (born Andriamanantena Paul Razafinkarefo also Razafkeriefo) was an African American composer, poet, and lyricist of such well-known songs as "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose".

Born in Washington, D.C., the son of Henry Razafkeriefo, a Malagasy nobleman and Jennie (Waller) Razafkeriefo, the daughter of John L. Waller, the first African American consul to Madagascar, he was the nephew of Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar. The French invasion of Madagascar left his father dead, and forced his mother to escape with the boy to the United States, where their lives were anything but royal. Raised in Harlem,At the age of 16 Andy quit school and took a job as an elevator operator at a Tin Pan Alley office building. A year later he penned his first song text, embarking on his career as a lyricist. he collaborated with Fats Waller (his cousin on his mother's side of their family). Among their best-known songs were "The Joint Is Jumpin'," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Willow Tree" and "(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue," and other Tin Pan Alley musicians, as well as Benny Goodman, Eubie Blake and others. He was a contributor and editor of the UNIA's Negro World newspaper. Many of Razaf's songs provide an African-American perspective on America and the realities around him. Through their sharp observation of social and racial issues, Razaf's songs give us an inside look at life in New York City in the first half of the 20th century. In 1972 at seventy-six years of age, Andy Razaf, the most notable and prolific black lyricist of twentieth century popular music, was finally recognized by his Tin Pan Alley peers in the songwriters Hall of Fame.

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Songs

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Poems

  • "Wired, Hired, Fired", an expression of grief and sorrow that color bars one fitted to position.
  • "Jack Johnson", touching on defeat with honor.
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Further reference

  • Black and Blue: The Life and Lyrics of Andy Razaf by Barry Singer, Foreword by Bobby Short, ISBN 0028723953
  • The Poets of Tin Pan Alley: A History of America's Great Lyricists by Philip Furia, ISBN 0195074734
  • Who's Who of the Colored Race, Memento Edition Half-Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom in U.S., reprinted by Gale Research Company, Book Tower Detroit, 1976.de:Andy Razaf
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