30 Jazz Standards You Didn't Know Were Broadway Songs
1. Darn That Dream
Jimmy Van Heusen (music) and Eddie DeLange (lyrics) composed "Darn That Dream" for the musical revue "Swingin' the Dream," which premiered on Broadway in 1939. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics have made it a cherished jazz ballad.
2. Summertime
This iconic jazz standard comes from the opera "Porgy and Bess," composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin. "Porgy and Bess" premiered on Broadway in 1935 and features "Summertime" as one of its most famous songs.
3. All the Things You Are
Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II introduced "All the Things You Are" in the musical "Very Warm for May," which premiered on Broadway in 1939. Its complex chord changes and lyrical depth have made it a favorite among jazz musicians.
4. My Funny Valentine
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Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart composed "My Funny Valentine" for the musical "Babes in Arms," which debuted on Broadway in 1937. The song has since become a jazz standard, recorded by countless artists in various styles.
5. I Can't Get Started
Vernon Duke and Ira Gershwin wrote "I Can't Get Started" for the Broadway musical "Ziegfeld Follies of 1936." Though the show itself may not be as well-remembered, the song has become a jazz standard, particularly through Bunny Berigan's famous recording.
6. On the Street Where You Live
This romantic ballad is from the Broadway musical "My Fair Lady," with music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. The musical premiered in 1956, and "On the Street Where You Live" has since become a beloved jazz standard.
7. Embraceable You
Another classic from George and Ira Gershwin, "Embraceable You" was introduced in the Broadway musical "Girl Crazy" in 1930. The song has since become a beloved jazz standard, recorded by numerous artists over the decades.
8. The Man I Love
"The Man I Love" is a popular standard with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Originally part of the score for the Gershwin musical comedy "Lady, Be Good" in 1924, the song was later incorporated into the Gershwins' 1927 satire "Strike Up the Band." It was considered for the 1928 Ziegfeld hit "Rosalie" but ultimately rejected.
"The Man I Love" has since become a significant part of the Great American Songbook, covered by numerous artists in various styles. One notable early performance was by the Benny Goodman Quartet at the historic 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert, featuring an integrated group of black and white musicians, marking an important moment in American jazz history.
In 1994, Kate Bush recorded "The Man I Love" for Larry Adler's "The Glory of Gershwin" tribute album. Released as a single, Bush's rendition reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart, further cementing the song's enduring appeal and its status as a beloved classic.
9. A Foggy Day (In London Town)
Yet another Gershwin gem, "A Foggy Day" was originally composed for the 1937 musical "A Damsel in Distress." The song has been embraced by jazz musicians for its evocative melody and sophisticated harmonies.
10. But Not For Me
One more from the Gershwin repertoire, "But Not for Me" was another tune introduced in the 1930 musical "Girl Crazy." Like many other Gershwin compositions, it has found new life as a jazz standard, cherished for its poignant lyrics and timeless melody.
11. Surrey with the Fringe on Top
"Surrey with the Fringe on Top" is a classic song from the Broadway musical "Oklahoma!" The music was composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. "Oklahoma!" premiered on Broadway in 1943 and was the first collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein.
"Surrey with the Fringe on Top" is not typically considered a jazz standard in the same vein as many other songs in the jazz repertoire. While it originated from the Broadway musical "Oklahoma!" and has been recorded by jazz artists, it is not as commonly performed or recorded in jazz circles compared to other songs.
That said, jazz musicians have occasionally interpreted "Surrey with the Fringe on Top," infusing it with their improvisational style and creative arrangements. Miles Davis' recording of the song with his quintet is one notable example of a jazz interpretation of "Surrey with the Fringe on Top."
While it may not have the same ubiquity as some other jazz standards, "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" still holds significance within the broader context of American popular music and musical theater.
12. I've Got Rhythm
This upbeat and catchy tune was written by George Gershwin with lyrics by his brother Ira Gershwin for... you guessed it... the musical "Girl Crazy" in 1930. "I've Got Rhythm" has become a jazz standard, known for its lively melody and memorable lyrics.
13. Just One of Those Things
Cole Porter composed "Just One of Those Things" for the musical "Jubilee," which premiered on Broadway in 1935. The song's witty lyrics and sophisticated melody have made it a popular choice among jazz musicians.
14. I Get a Kick Out of You
Another Cole Porter classic, "I Get a Kick Out of You" was written for the musical "Anything Goes," which debuted on Broadway in 1934. The song's clever wordplay and infectious rhythm have made it a beloved jazz standard.
15. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart penned this haunting ballad for the musical "Pal Joey," which premiered on Broadway in 1940. "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" has since become a jazz standard, cherished for its emotional depth and evocative melody.
16. It's Only a Paper Moon
Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg, and Billy Rose wrote "It's Only a Paper Moon" for the musical "The Great Magoo," which debuted in 1933. The song's whimsical lyrics and nostalgic melody have made it a favorite among jazz musicians and audiences alike.
17. My Romance
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart composed "My Romance" for the musical "Jumbo," which premiered on Broadway in 1935. The song's romantic lyrics and timeless melody have made it a cherished jazz standard.
18. On the Sunny Side of the Street
Jimmy McHugh composed the music and Dorothy Fields wrote the lyrics for "On the Sunny Side of the Street," which was featured in the Broadway musical "Lew Leslie's International Revue" in 1930. The song's optimistic lyrics and upbeat melody have made it a popular jazz standard.
19. There's a Small Hotel
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart introduced "There's a Small Hotel" in the musical "On Your Toes," which premiered on Broadway in 1936. The song's charming melody and intimate lyrics have made it a beloved jazz standard.
20. I Could Write a Book
Another gem from Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, "I Could Write a Book" was featured in the musical "Pal Joey," which premiered on Broadway in 1940. The song's clever lyrics and memorable melody have made it a staple in the jazz repertoire.
21. But Beautiful
Jimmy Van Heusen composed the music and Johnny Burke wrote the lyrics for "But Beautiful," which was introduced in the Broadway musical "Road to Rio" in 1947. The song's poignant lyrics and haunting melody have made it a favorite among jazz vocalists and instrumentalists.
22. The Lady Is a Tramp
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart composed "The Lady Is a Tramp" for the musical "Babes in Arms," which premiered on Broadway in 1937. The song's sassy lyrics and swinging melody have made it a beloved jazz standard.
23. Have You Met Miss Jones?
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart introduced "Have You Met Miss Jones?" in the musical "I'd Rather Be Right," which premiered on Broadway in 1937. The song's catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a popular choice among jazz musicians.
24. It Never Entered My Mind
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart composed "It Never Entered My Mind" for the musical "Higher and Higher," which premiered on Broadway in 1940. The song's melancholy lyrics and haunting melody have made it a jazz standard.
25. How High the Moon
"How High the Moon" was written by Morgan Lewis (music) and Nancy Hamilton (lyrics) for the Broadway revue "Two for the Show," which premiered in 1940. The song's memorable melody and energetic chord changes have made it a jazz classic.
26. A Sleepin' Bee
Harold Arlen and Truman Capote composed "A Sleepin' Bee" for the musical "House of Flowers," which premiered on Broadway in 1954. The song's dreamy melody and poetic lyrics have made it a favorite among jazz vocalists.
27. Where or When
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart composed "Where or When" for the musical "Babes in Arms," which premiered on Broadway in 1937. The song's wistful lyrics and beautiful melody have made it a beloved jazz standard.
28. You Took Advantage of Me
Another gem from Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, "You Took Advantage of Me" was introduced in the musical "Present Arms," which premiered on Broadway in 1928. The song's catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a favorite among jazz musicians.
29. My Heart Stood Still
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart introduced "My Heart Stood Still" in the musical "One Dam Thing After Another," which premiered on Broadway in 1927. The song's romantic lyrics and timeless melody have made it a cherished jazz standard.
30. I've Got the World on a String
Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler composed "I've Got the World on a String" for the Broadway musical "Cotton Club Parade of 1932." The song's upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics have made it a popular choice among jazz performers.
31. Taking a Chance on Love
Vernon Duke, John La Touche, and Ted Fetter wrote "Taking a Chance on Love" for the Broadway musical "Cabin in the Sky," which premiered in 1940. The song's hopeful lyrics and lively melody have made it a beloved jazz standard.
32. Lover Come Back to Me
This jazz standard was written by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II for the musical "The New Moon," which premiered on Broadway in 1928. The song's emotive lyrics and memorable melody have made it a favorite among jazz vocalists and instrumentalists.
33. Out of This World
This jazz standard was written by Harold Arlen (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics) for the musical "Out of This World," which premiered on Broadway in 1950. The song's sophisticated melody and clever lyrics have made it a favorite among jazz musicians and vocalists.
34. Here's That Rainy Day
Jimmy Van Heusen (music) and Johnny Burke (lyrics) wrote "Here's That Rainy Day" for the musical "Carnival in Flanders," which premiered on Broadway in 1953. The song's melancholy melody and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved jazz standard.
35. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Cole Porter composed "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" for the musical "Seven Lively Arts," which premiered on Broadway in 1944. The song's romantic lyrics and bittersweet melody have made it a favorite among jazz vocalists.
36. I Love You
Cole Porter wrote "I Love You" for the musical "Mexican Hayride," which premiered on Broadway in 1944. The song's joyful melody and playful lyrics have made it a popular choice among jazz musicians and performers.
37. Little Girl Blue
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart composed "Little Girl Blue" for the musical "Jumbo," which premiered on Broadway in 1935. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics have made it a beloved jazz ballad.
38. Do It Again
George Gershwin composed "Do It Again" with lyrics by Buddy DeSylva for the musical "The French Doll," which premiered on Broadway in 1922. The song's catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics have made it a favorite among jazz musicians and vocalists.
39. Get Happy
Harold Arlen composed "Get Happy" with lyrics by Ted Koehler for the musical "The Nine-Fifteen Revue," which premiered on Broadway in 1930. The song's upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics have made it a cherished jazz standard.
40. Where Are You?
Jimmy McHugh (music) and Harold Adamson (lyrics) wrote "Where Are You?" for the Broadway musical "Top Banana," which premiered in 1951. The song's melancholy melody and poignant lyrics have made it a popular choice among jazz vocalists.
41. This Can't Be Love
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart composed "This Can't Be Love" for the musical "The Boys from Syracuse," which premiered on Broadway in 1938. The song's playful melody and witty lyrics have made it a beloved jazz standard.
42. Just in Time
Jule Styne composed the music, and Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote the lyrics for "Just in Time" for the Broadway musical "Bells Are Ringing," which premiered in 1956. The song's upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics have made it a beloved jazz standard.
43. Taking a Chance on Love
Vernon Duke composed the music, and John La Touche and Ted Fetter wrote the lyrics for "Taking a Chance on Love" for the Broadway musical "Cabin in the Sky," which premiered in 1940. The song's catchy melody and hopeful lyrics have made it a popular choice among jazz musicians.
44. Mountain Greenery
Richard Rodgers composed the music, and Lorenz Hart wrote the lyrics for "Mountain Greenery" for the Broadway musical "The Garrick Gaieties," which premiered in 1926. The song's playful melody and clever lyrics have made it a cherished jazz standard.
45. Fascinating Rhythm
George Gershwin composed the music, and Ira Gershwin wrote the lyrics for "Fascinating Rhythm" for the Broadway musical "Lady, Be Good!," which premiered in 1924. The song's catchy rhythm and witty lyrics have made it a favorite among jazz musicians and vocalists.
46. Too Close for Comfort
Jerry Bock composed the music, and Larry Holofcener and George David Weiss wrote the lyrics for "Too Close for Comfort" for the Broadway musical "Mr. Wonderful," which premiered in 1956. The song's energetic melody and clever lyrics have made it a popular jazz standard.
47. It's De-Lovely
Cole Porter composed "It's De-Lovely" for the Broadway musical "Red, Hot and Blue!," which premiered in 1936. The song's playful melody and clever lyrics have made it a beloved jazz standard.
48. Speak Low
Kurt Weill composed the music, and Ogden Nash wrote the lyrics for "Speak Low" for the Broadway musical "One Touch of Venus," which premiered in 1943. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics have made it a popular choice among jazz musicians.
49. The Best is Yet to Come
Cy Coleman composed the music, and Carolyn Leigh wrote the lyrics for "The Best Is Yet to Come" for the Broadway musical "Something More!," which premiered in 1964. The song's optimistic lyrics and swinging melody have made it a cherished jazz standard.
50. Why Can't You Behave?
Cole Porter composed "Why Can't You Behave?" for the Broadway musical "Kiss Me, Kate," which premiered in 1948. The song's witty lyrics and catchy melody have made it a favorite among jazz vocalists.
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