Andy Razaf facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andy Razaf
Razaf in 1954
Background information
Birth name	Andriamanantena Paul Razafinkarefo
Born	(1895-12-16)December 16, 1895 Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died	February 3, 1973(1973-02-03) (aged 77) North Hollywood, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Poet, composer, and lyricist

Andy Razaf (born Andriamanantena Paul Razafinkarefo; December 16, 1895 – February 3, 1973) was an American poet, composer, and lyricist. He wrote the words for many famous songs. Some of his best-known works include "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose".

Andy Razaf's Life Story

Andy Razaf was born in Washington, D.C., United States. His birth name was Andriamanantena Paul Razafinkarefo. His father was Henri Razafinkarefo, who was related to Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar. His mother, Jennie Razafinkarefo, had to escape to the United States before he was born. This was because of a war in Madagascar.

Growing Up in Harlem

Andy grew up in Harlem, Manhattan, a famous neighborhood in New York City. When he was 16, he left school. He started working as an elevator operator in a building on Tin Pan Alley. This area was known for its music publishers and songwriters.

Just one year later, Andy wrote his first song lyrics. This was the start of his amazing career. He often spent nights at the bus station in Times Square. He would pick up his mail at the Gaiety Theatre office building. This place was a hub for Black musicians and writers.

Becoming a Famous Songwriter

Some of Andy Razaf's early poems were printed in a newspaper called Voice. This newspaper was part of the "New Negro Movement". This was a time when Black artists and writers created amazing works.

Andy worked with many talented composers. These included Eubie Blake, Don Redman, James P. Johnson, Harry Brooks, and Fats Waller. Razaf and Fats Waller created some of their most famous songs together. These include "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Honeysuckle Rose", and "The Joint Is Jumpin'".

Other famous musicians also played his music. These included Benny Goodman and Cab Calloway. Andy also helped edit the Negro World newspaper. This paper was for the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League.

Later Life and Recognition

Andy Razaf was married to Jean Blackwell Hutson for some years. In 1972, his work was honored. He was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This was a big achievement.

He passed away in North Hollywood, California. He was 77 years old.

Famous Songs by Andy Razaf

The Songwriters Hall of Fame lists 215 songs written by Andy Razaf. He wrote the lyrics for many more songs that were never published. Here are some of his most well-known songs:

• "Baltimo" – He wrote this song when he was just 17. It was sung in a show called The Passing Show of 1913.
• "Mound Bayou" – This song is named after Mound Bayou. This was a special independent Black community in Mississippi.
• "Ain't Misbehavin'"
• "Black and Blue"
• "Garvey! Hats Off to Garvey"
• "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You" (with Don Redman)
• "Honeysuckle Rose"
• "In the Mood"
• "A Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid"
• "The Joint Is Jumpin'"
• "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now"
• "Louisiana"
• "Stompin' at the Savoy"
• "That's What I Like About the South"
• "UNIA"

Albums Featuring Andy Razaf's Songs

While hundreds of recordings feature Andy Razaf's songs, two albums are fully dedicated to his work:

• Maxine Sullivan, A Tribute to Andy Razaf, released in 1956.
• Bobby Short, Guess Who's in Town: Bobby Short Performs the Songs of Andy Razaf, released in 1987.

Andy Razaf's Poems

Andy Razaf also wrote poems. Here are a couple of examples:

• Wired, Hired, Fired – This poem talks about how race could stop someone from getting a job they were perfect for.
• Jack Johnson – This poem is about facing defeat with honor and dignity.