Swing’s Defining Statement: The Enduring Influence of “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington
“It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” stands as one of the most iconic and influential jazz standards ever composed. Penned in 1931 by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Irving Mills, the song is widely credited with popularizing the term “swing” and articulating the spirit that would define an entire era…
