Perdido (song)

"Perdido" is a jazz standard composed by Juan Tizol, a longtime member of Duke Ellington's orchestra. It was first recorded for radio transcription on December 3, 1941, by Duke Ellington. The Duke Ellington Orchestra recorded it again, this time for Victor, on January 21, 1942. In 1944, Ervin Drake and Hans Lengsfelder were hired to write lyrics for the song.

Background
"Perdido" is Spanish and means lost, but also sloppy or indecent. The song refers to Perdido Street in New Orleans.

Ella Fitzgerald recording
"Perdido" was not usually sung with the Ellington band, the exception being Ella Fitzgerald on her 1957 album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook.

Other recordings
Many others recorded the song, including:
 * Ben Webster
 * Sarah Vaughan
 * Dinah Washington
 * Art Tatum
 * Quincy Jones
 * The Charlie Parker Quintet
 * Dave Brubeck
 * Charles Mingus
 * Randy Weston
 * Erroll Garner
 * Bill Doggett
 * Harry James
 * Enoch Light and Light Brigade
 * Dancing Mood