- Don’t Be That Way is a swing era jazz standard written by Edgar Sampson with lyrics by Mitchell Parish.
- It was introduced by Chick Webb and His Orchestra in 1934, first recorded November 19, 1934 and released in 1935.
- The original arrangement by Edgar Sampson helped make the tune a showcase for Webb’s band and, later, Benny Goodman’s ensemble.
- A landmark version by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra appeared in 1938, opening Goodman’s Carnegie Hall concert on January 16, 1938 and reaching number one on the charts after a January 1938 RCA Victor release.
- Mildred Bailey also had a 1938 vocal chart version of the song.
- The tune is in Eb major with an A-A-B-A form, based on rhythm changes, and is known for its lyrical yet technically challenging melody that rewards instrumental interpretations.
- Notable later interpretations include Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Anita O’Day, and many others, making it a staple of the swing repertoire.
