Andy Razaf

Andy Razaf (December 16, 1895-1973), (born Andriamanantena Paul Razafinkarefo also Razafkeriefo) African American composer, poet, and lyricist of such well-known songs as Ain't Misbehavin'" and *"Honeysuckle Rose".

Born in Washington, D.C., the son of Henry Razafkeriefo, a Malagasy nobleman and Jennie (Waller) Razafkeriefo, the daughter of John L. Waller, the first African American consul to Madagascar, he was the nephew of Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar. Raised in Harlem, he collaborated with Fats Waller (his cousin on his mother's side of their family) and other Tin Pan Alley musicians, as well as Benny Goodman, Eubie Blake and others. He was a contributor and editor of the UNIA's Negro World newspaper.

Songs

"Baltimo", composed at the age of 17, was sung by members of "The Passing Show of 1913" at Winter Garden, New York.

• "Ain't Misbehavin'"
• "Honeysuckle Rose"
• "In the Mood"
• "Black and Blue"
• "Stompin' at the Savoy"
• "Garvey! Hats Off to Garvey"
• "U.N.I.A."

Poems

• "Wired, Hired, Fired", an expression of grief and sorrow that color bars one fitted to position.
• "Jack Johnson", touching on defeat with honor.

Further reference

• Black and Blue: The Life and Lyrics of Andy Razaf by Barry Singer, Foreword by Bobby Short, ISBN 0028723953
• The Poets of Tin Pan Alley: A History of America's Great Lyricists by Philip Furia, ISBN 0195074734
• Who's Who of the Colored Race, Memento Edition Half-Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom in U.S., reprinted by Gale Research Company, Book Tower Detroit, 1976.

See also: Andy Razaf, 1895, 1973, African American, Ain't Misbehavin', Benny Goodman, Black and Blue, December 16, Eubie Blake, Fats Waller