The Jazz Real Book Don't Blame Me and Ethel Waters
(96) Don’t Blame Me and Ethel Waters
“Don’t Blame Me,” written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields in 1932, became a popular standard known for its lyrical melody and elegant harmonic motion. Ethel Waters’ 1933 recording, arranged by Victor Young, remains one of the definitive interpretations. Her expressive phrasing, subtle rhythmic control, and spoken introduction elevate the song from a simple love ballad to a deeply personal statement. The arrangement’s double-time instrumental section and Waters’ seamless reentry on the bridge highlight her professionalism and command of musical form. Waters (1896–1977), a trailblazing vocalist and actress, rose from poverty to stardom in the 1920s and 1930s, breaking racial barriers in recording, Broadway, film, and television. Known for her clarity of diction and emotional depth, she influenced later artists like Billie Holiday and Lena Horne. Her rendition of “Don’t Blame Me” exemplifies both her artistry and her role in shaping the expressive language of American popular song.