Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Recorded: 6 November 1969
Producer: George Martin
Engineers: Phil McDonald, Geoff Emerick
Unreleased
Personnel
Ringo Starr: vocals
The George Martin Orchestra: instrumentation
‘Stormy Weather’ was recorded by Ringo Starr for his debut solo album Sentimental Journey, but was left unreleased.
It was written in 1933, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ted Koehler. The song was first sung by Ethel Waters at the Cotton Club in Harlem that year. The composers had intended to give it to Cab Calloway and his band, but they had left the club and were replaced by Ellington, who gave the song to Waters.
She recorded it with the Dorsey Brothers’ Orchestra in 1933, and it became an instant classic. It has since been recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, and many others.
In the studio
Starr’s version was recorded on 6 November 1969 at Wessex Sound Studios, London.
It featured 18 musicians, conducted by George Martin, recorded to four-track tape.
Although the arranger is unknown, the musicians included saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar and drums. Their parts were recorded from 7-9pm, and Starr added his vocals from 9-10pm.
‘Stormy Weather’ was left off Sentimental Journey, but bootleg copies circulate.
Lyrics
Don’t know why
There’s no sun up in the sky
Stormy weather
Since my girl and I ain’t together
Keeps raining all the time
Life is bare
Gloom and misery everywhere
Stormy weather
Just can’t get my poor self together
I’m weary all the time, the time
So weary all of the time
When she went away
The blues walked in and met me
If she stays away, old rocking chair will get me
All I do is pray
The lord above will let me
Walk in the sun once more
Can’t go on
Everything I had is gone
Stormy weather
Since my girl and I ain’t together
Keeps raining all the time
Keeps raining all the time
When she went away
The blues walked in and met me
If she stays away, old rocking chair will get me
All I do is pray
The lord above will let me
Walk in the sun once more
Can’t go on
Everything I had is gone
Stormy weather
Since my girl and I ain’t together
Keeps raining all the time, the time
Keeps raining all the time