That's What I Like About the South

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Anyone who has listened to Jack Benny's show for any length of time is familiar with this song performed by Phil Harris and his orchestra. Next to the Bare Necessities from the Jungle Book, this is certainly the song most remembered and identified with Phil today. It was a huge hit for Phil and he performed it countless times on the Benny Program and in his musical shows.

I hadn't realized until I came across this in an article that "That's What I Like About The South" was composed by Andy Razaf who was one of the truly outstanding songwriters of the 20th century. Andy Razaf is best known for collaborating with Fats Waller on most of his greatest hits, including Honeysuckle Rose, Ain't Misbehavin, and The Joint is Jumpin. Razaf also worked with Eubie Blake and Benny Goodman on many of their arrangements. Razaf also wrote Black and Blue, one of the most powerful protest songs ever written. He was, and is, a revered figure in the black jazz community and his songs were a staple for Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, among others, throughout their careers. Bobby Short was another jazz artist who championed Razaf's work.

I don't recall Phil ever crediting Andy Razaf but he certainly chose from the best when he selected this song.