Johnny Mercer was often asked to write lyrics to already popular songs. The lyrics to "Satin Doll" were written after the song was already a hit in its instrumental version. Ellington used "Satin Doll" as the closing number at most of his concerts. It is possible that the music was not co-composed by Ellington but solely by pianist-arranger Billy Strayhorn, who worked closely with Ellington. The Coasters released a version of the song on their 1960 album, One by One. The popular 1950s group, The Gaylords recorded a version of "Satin Doll" in 1958.