Do Nothing till You Hear from Me

This article is about the song. For the radio sitcom, see Do Nothing till You Hear from Me (radio program).

"Do Nothing till You Hear from Me" (also written as "Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me") is a song with music by Duke Ellington and lyrics by Bob Russell. It originated as a 1940 instrumental ("Concerto for Cootie") that was designed to highlight the playing of Ellington's lead trumpeter, Cootie Williams. Russell's words were added later. In 1944, Ellington's own recording of the song, with featured vocals by Al Hibbler,^[1] was a number one hit R&B chart for eight non consecutive weeks and number six on the pop chart.^[2]

"Do Nothing till You Hear from Me" has since been performed by many famous vocalists, including Mose Allison, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Mary J. Blige, Suzy Bogguss, Nat King Cole, Phil Collins, Harry Connick, Jr., Sammy Davis, Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Dr. John, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall, Patti Page, Robert Palmer, Nina Simone, Andy Williams, Robbie Williams and Fiona Apple.

References

1. ^ Obituary of Al Hibbler, New York Times
2. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 185. 

Preceded by "Ration Blues" by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five "G.I. Jive" by Johnny Mercer

Billboard Harlem Hit Parade number-one single January 15, 1944 January 29, 1944

Succeeded by "G.I. Jive" by Johnny Mercer "Solo Flight" by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra