Satin Doll


"Satin Doll" is a jazz standard written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Written in 1953, the song has been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, 101 Strings, Terry Callier, and Nancy Wilson. Its chord progression is well known for its unusual use of chords and opening with a ii-V-I turnaround.

Background

Johnny Mercer was often asked to write lyrics to already popular songs. Lyrics to "Satin Doll" were written after the song was a hit in its instrumental version. Ellington used "Satin Doll" as the closing number in most of his concerts.

Other versions