[Dixielandjazz] Re: Ring Dem Bells

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Chris,
Regarding your question: Are there lyrics to Ellington's "Ring Dem Bells"?
The answer is yes. Sort of.
Cootie Williams scat sings a chase chorus along with Johnny Hodges' alto.
I have the following (all basically the same arrangement):
20 August 1930 (takes -2 and -3) for Victor
26 August 1930 (take -6) for Victor
30 Oct 1930 (take -A) for Okeh.
Worlds Records does not have any CDs featuring the song currently in stock, but
the Ellington's has been reissued on various CDs over the years.
Try Classics (French) and their Ellington chronological series.
BMG Bluebird and Okeh (Columbia) released it on CD in the late 1980s - early
1990s, but these would be deleted by now.
El cheapo Ellington CDs MAY have it included. Look in the record shop bargain
bins.
You may also be able to pick up LPs with it on. 
Non-vocal versions of the song were made by:
Claude Brampton 1935
Charlie Barnet 1940
Andy Kirk 1941
Joe Robechaux 1933
Dick Roy 1934
Fats Waller (solo) 1941
The Lionel Hampton version from 18 January 1938 for Victor has simple vocal
lines from LH exhorting "Mr Stacy" (pianist Jess Stacy) to "Ring them Bells",
followed by a scat vocal. This is on a BMG Bluebird CD, but probably also well
and truly deleted by now.
Kind regards,
Bill.