| "Big Butter and Egg Man" | |
|---|---|
| Single by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five | |
| B-side | Sunset Cafe Stomp |
| Released | December 1926 |
| Recorded | 1926 |
| Genre | Jazz |
| Writer(s) | Percy Venable |
| Producer | Percy Venable |
"Big Butter and Egg Man" is a 1926 jazz song written by Percy Venable. Venable was a record producer at the Sunset Cafe and wrote the song for Louis Armstrong and singer May Alix.[1] The song is often played by Dixieland bands, and is considered a jazz standard.[2]
According to pianist Earl Hines, Alix would often tease the young Armstrong during performances. Armstrong was known to be timid, and had a crush on the beautiful vocalist. At times, Armstrong would forget the lyrics and just stare at Alix, and band members would shout "Hold it, Louis! Hold it."[3]
Armstrong's cornet solo on the 1926 recording is one of his most highly acclaimed performances.[1][4]
"The most important aspect of this solo, and indeed of Armstrong's playing on the record as a whole, is the air of easy grace with which he carries the melody. He is utterly confident, utterly sure what he has to say is important and will be listened to."[1] – James Lincoln Collier, Armstrong's biographer
The song name was a 1920s slang term for a big spender, a traveling businessman in the habit of spending large amounts of money in nightclubs.[5] The song is also known as "I Want a Big Butter and Egg Man" or "Big Butter and Egg Man from the West".