Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News: SoundTrax Digital Audio Download

This arrangement by Larry Shackley captures the infectious humor and rhythmic drive of the original while tailoring it specifically for choir. The song's irreverent attitude and funky groove make it a standout choice when you want your singers to have genuine fun in performance while still delivering solid musicianship.

Brash, confident, and full of comedic sass. The piece practically dares the listener not to crack a smile, with its deadpan delivery of ridiculous demands wrapped in a funky, propulsive rhythm. It feels like a conversation among friends who know exactly how to needle each other with perfect timing.

This arrangement works well for high school and college choirs looking for a secular pop number with personality and swagger. It's equally valuable for community and church choirs that want contemporary Broadway material with accessible vocal ranges and built-in audience appeal.

• Lock into the groove early in rehearsals. The rhythmic pocket here is essential; spend time on internal pulse and coordination with the recorded accompaniment before adding interpretive layers.
• Balance attitude with clarity. The humor lands only when the lyrics cut through cleanly, so avoid letting the ensemble get too caught up in the groove at the expense of diction.
• Lean into the character of each section. Different voice parts often trade musical moments, so encourage singers to understand the emotional arc and their role in the storytelling, not just the notes.

Use this to open a pop or Broadway-themed concert, or place it strategically in a mixed program where you want a sharp tonal shift and a moment of levity. It works particularly well on shows that pair classic musical theater with contemporary arrangements.

• Rhythmic precision in funk and soul idioms
• Rhythmic independence from melody (especially in ensemble sections)
• Articulation and diction at moderate to fast tempos
• Character-driven performance and ensemble cohesion
• Listening to recorded accompaniment while maintaining ensemble blend