“Crazy Rhythm” | Stories of Standards

Kahn, a musical prodigy, is said to have played 18 instruments. When he was just 17 years old, he took over leadership of the 12-piece Arthur Lange Orchestra which his wealthy father purchased for him, and they performed as Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Biltmore Orchestra.

“Crazy Rhythm” was first recorded by Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Biltmore Orchestra in New York in April 1928, with Franklyn Baur singing the chorus:

Crazy rhythm, here’s the doorway/I’ll go my way, you’ll go your way/Crazy rhythm, from now on/We’re through.

Inspiring at least 15 jazz albums named Crazy Rhythm, the song has become a popular jazz standard.

There are more than 150 covers of “Crazy Rhythm”, performed by a wide-range of artist from mainstream jazz to hillbilly bebop. The King Cole Trio, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Herman’s Norwegian Jazz Group Soloist, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra have all covered this tune, mostly as an instrumental.

Not only has “Crazy Rhythm” retained its popularity throughout the years, it has lent its name to jazz groups, organizations, nightclubs, and even a 1997 autobiography by Leonard Garment, a one time jazz musician and White House staffer under Richard Nixon.

Tune in to First Take with Chavis and Lando - weekdays from 6-9 am MT – for Stories of Standards to hear our favorite versions of this song all week long!