He’s So Willin’ To Make Whoopee

I have always loved the chance to learn more about some of the greatest singers of the 20th Century. They all have amazing life stories and sometimes tragic demises.

Dinah Washington is credited with being one of the most popular singers of the 1950s. She was incredibly diverse and sang comfortably in various genres – jazz, blues, pop, gospel – this lady could sing! I have chosen just one of the songs that she makes sensational. This is Dinah Washington with “Makin’ Whoopee”.

CREDITS: Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn

Another bride, another June
Another sunny honeymoon
Another season, another reason
For makin' whoopee

A lot of shoes, a lot of rice
The groom is nervous; he answers twice
It's really killin'
That he's so willin' to make whoopee

Picture a little love nest
Down where the roses cling
Picture the same sweet love nest
Think what a year can bring

He's washin' dishes and baby clothes
He's so ambitious he even sews
But don't forget, folks
That's what you get, folks, for makin' whoopee

Another year or maybe less
What's this I hear? Well, you can't confess
She feels neglected, and he's suspected
Of makin' whoopee

She sits alone 'most every night
He doesn't phone her; he doesn't write
He says he's busy, but she says, "Is he?"
He's makin' whoopee

He doesn't make much money
Only five thousand per
Some judge who thinks he's funny
Says, "You'll pay six to her"

He says, "Now, Judge, suppose I fail?"
The judge says, "Budge right into jail"
You'd better keep her; I think it's cheaper
Than makin' whoopee

You'd better keep her
I know it's cheaper
Than makin' whoopee