There are so many jazz songs out there. When learning jazz, it’s hard to know where to start and which jazz songs are the most important to learn.
Thatās whyā¦
Weāve created this list to help you and other beginner jazz musicians filter out the most important jazz standards to help you improve your jazz repertoire, absorb important jazz language, and get a comprehensive look at all the important sub-genres within jazz.
Not only will these jazz songs help you out during a jam session or gig, but they will also strengthen your harmonic knowledge and improvisation skills.
If you donāt know any of these tunes, take advantage of everything Learn Jazz Standards has to offer!
Learn Jazz Standards has spent years and countless hours building up the essential resources to help you learn these important songs.
Plus, if you want one convenient place to learn jazz standards, improve your jazz chops, and network with a bunch of musicians who love learning jazz as much as you do, then you need to check out the Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle.
When you join the Inner Circle, youāll have everything you need to become the best jazz player you can be.
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Table of Contents
Whatās So Important About Learning Jazz Songs?
There are two main reasons why learning the following 50 jazz standards is crucial for your jazz education and development.
Jazz is a language, and jazz standards contain all the essential phrases, slang, vocabulary, and inflections you need in order to speak it fluently with other jazz musicians all over the world.
Jazz is a Language
Every city or region tends to have a different set of common jazz standards that jazz musicians will call. One cityās list may differ slightly from another, but there are certain tunes that are the standards among standards and can be called anywhere throughout the world.
The 50 jazz standards weāve compiled are the āstandards among standardsā that will help you communicate better with other musicians on any gig or jam session.
The Snowball Effect
Are you familiar with the snowball effect?
A snowball starts off small, but as it rolls through the snow, it grows larger and larger. As it grows, its surface area increases, allowing it to pick up more and more snow. The more snow it accumulates, the more snow it is able to accumulate in the future.
Learning jazz standards works in exactly the same way. Many jazz standards are built from the same chord changes and progressions. In a sense, when you learn one jazz song, you are learning the parts of many other jazz songs.
Therefore, the more jazz standards you learn, the easier and easier it becomes for you to learn any jazz song.
The following 50 jazz standards contain many elements that appear in most songs throughout the jazz world. Though the key might change or the time signature may be different, the components of many jazz songs are the same.
Now, letās dig into the 50 jazz standards every jazz musician needs to know.
50 Jazz Standards All Jazz Musicians Need to Know
In the following list of famous jazz tunes, weāll include some important listening recommendations and other important bits of information jazz fans should know.
For an in-depth dive into these jazz songs, be sure to click through the links below:
1. All of Me
āAll of Meā ā Written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons.
This song became popular during the swing era and made it on the US pop charts via many different recording artists in the mid-20th century.
Louis Armstrong recorded a famous version that made it to the #1 spot on the US charts in 1931. The most famous version was recorded by Billie Holiday in 1941. Also, Frank Sinatra recorded this same tune various times throughout his career.
Check out:
- Louis Armstrong ā āHome/All of Meā (1932)
- Count Basie and His Orchestra ā āFrankly Basie: Count Basie Plays The Hits Of Frank Sinatraā (1963)
- Ella Fitzgerald ā āElla Swings Gently with Nelson (1993 reissue)ā ā (1961)
2. All The Things You Are
āAll The Things You Areā ā Written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II.
When it comes to learning jazz, āAll The Things You Areā is a signature tune you need to know. Despite being written for a musical in 1939, this song became popular during the Bebop era, when many jazz musicians played the song with a faster tempo than vocal versions.
- Art Tatum and Ben Webster Quartet ā All the Things You Are (1956)
- Bill Evans Trio on the album āAt Shellyās Manne-Holeā (1963)
- Dave Brubeck on the album āAll the Things We Areā (1974)
3. Alone Together
āAlone Togetherā ā Written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz.
This song, like many jazz standards, was written for a Broadway musical ā Flying Colors (1932). However, many jazz instrumentalists have taken it and made it their own. This song became most popular during the cool jazz era.
- Dizzy Gillespie ā āAlone Together / There Are Things I Loveā (1951)
- Paul Desmond ā āTake Tenā (1963)
- Bill Evans ā āLive At The Trident Clubā (1964)
4. Autumn Leaves
āAutumn Leavesā ā Music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by Jacques PrĆ©vert (French) and Johnny Mercer (English).
As far as jazz songs are concerned, Autumn Leaves may be the most famous tune on this list. This song became popular during the Hard Bop era and was originally a French song: “Les Feuilles Mortes.”
Listen to:
- Ahmad Jamal ā āThe Ahmad Jamal Trioā (1955)
- Cannonball Adderley ā Somthin Else (1958)
- Sarah Vaughan ā āCrazy And Mixed Upā (1982)
5. Billieās Bounce
āBillieās Bounceā ā Written by Charlie Parker.
Every jazz musician needs to know several blues heads, and Billieās Bounce is a great tune to start practicing a blues form that has more harmonic movement than a simple blues.
- Charlie Parker ā āThe Complete Savoy Sessionsā (1945)
- Dizzy Gillespie ā āTo Bird with Loveā (1992)
- George Benson ā āGiblet Gravyā (1968)
6. Black Orpheus (ManhĆ£ de Carnaval)
āBlack Orpheusā ā Music by Luiz BonfĆ” and lyrics by AntĆ“nio Maria
There are several Latin jazz tunes on this list, and no tune list is complete without a few Latin or Bossa Nova tunes. As jazz songs go, āBlack Orpheusā is a unique blend of South American and Ancient Greek folklore and Cool Jazz.
- Wayne Shorter ā āWayning Momentsā (1961)
- Astrud Gilberto ā āThe Shadow of Your Smileā (1965)
- Paul Desmond ā āTake Tenā (1963)
7. Blue Bossa
āBlue Bossaā ā Written by Kenny Dorham.
Blue Bossa is another common jam session tune that is usually played fast with a Latin feel.
There are many great recordings of this tune, but a few notable ones are listed below.
- Joe Henderson ā āPage Oneā (1963)
- Dexter Gordon ā āBiting the Appleā (1976)
- Pat Martino ā āExitā (1976)
8. Body and Soul
āBody and Soulā ā Written by Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton.
This jazz song is a staple among ballads in the jazz tradition. The rich and intricate harmonic structure of āBody and Soulā offers an expansive landscape for improvisation. It’s certainly a favorite among many great players, from Coleman Hawkins to John Coltrane.
Be sure to check out:
- Coleman Hawkins ā āBody and Soulā (1939)
- Billie Holiday ā āBody and Soulā (1940)
- John Coltrane ā āColtraneās Soundā (1960)
9. But Not For Me
āBut Not For Meā ā Written by Ira and George Gershwin.
This George and Ira Gershwin tune is a classic enshrined in the Great American Songbook. The swinging rhythm and witty yet melancholic lyrics evoke a bittersweet quality thatās typical of the Gershwins’ many jazz songs.
Be sure to check out:
- Chet Baker ā āChet Baker Singsā (1954)
- Ella Fitzgerald ā āElla Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbookā (1959)
- Ahmad Jamal ā āAt the Pershing: But Not for Meā (1958)
10. Bye Bye Blackbird
āBye Bye Blackbirdā ā Written by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon
One of the emblematic songs from the Tin Pan Alley era, āBye Bye Blackbird,ā should be on your tune list. Its uplifting melody and simple harmonic structure offer an ideal foundation for improvisation.
Be sure to check out:
Miles Davis ā āāRound About Midnightā (1957)
John Coltrane ā āBye Bye Blackbirdā (recorded 1962, released 1981)
Etta Jones ā āDonāt Go to Strangersā (1960)
11. Cherokee
āCherokeeā ā Written by Ray Noble.
With its rapid-fire chord changes and lively tempo, āCherokeeā by Ray Noble is a rite of passage for any musician. Itās a high-octane challenge, demanding technical proficiency, improvisational agility, and a deep sense of swing.
As the tune that inspired Charlie Parker to develop his bebop language, āCherokeeā stands as a milestone in the evolution of the genre, marking the shift from swing to bebop.
- Johnny Smith ā āMoonlight in Vermontā (1952)
- Clifford Brown and Max Roach ā āStudy in Brownā (1955)
- Kamasi Washington ā āThe Epicā (2015)
12. Confirmation
āConfirmationā ā Written by Charlie Parker
Charlie Parkerās āConfirmationā is a prime example of the intricate melodic lines and complex harmonies that characterize the bebop era. Its challenging chord changes and infectious swing feel have made it a favorite among musicians.
While it is one of the more challenging songs on this list, it offers endless opportunities for creative improvisation and is a must-know. Check out:
- Barry Harris and Kenny Barron ā āConfirmationā (1992)
- Art Blakey ā āA Night at Birdland Vol. 2ā (1954)
- Dexter Gordon ā āDaddy Plays the Hornā (1955)
13. Days of Wine and Roses
āDays of Wine and Rosesā ā Written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer.
This gem from Henry Mancini is known for its delicate, lyrical melody and subtle harmonic complexity. The tune was written for the 1962 film of the same name and is an example of how cinematic music can be transformed into a jazz standard.
Be sure to check out:
- Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass ā āEasy Livingā (1986)
- Bill Evans and Tony Bennet ā āDays Of Wine And Rosesā (1975)
- Oscar Peterson ā āWe Get Requestsā (1964)
14. Doxy
āDoxyā ā Written by Sonny Rollins.
āDoxyā is a playful, melodic journey through simple blues changes. As a testament to Rollinsā fun and quirky style, this tune stands out for its catchy riff-based melody.
Be sure to check out:
- Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis ā āMiles Davis with Sonny Rollinsā (1954)
- Miles Davis ā āBagās Grooveā (1954)
- John Coltrane ā āLike Sonnyā (1960)
15. Fly Me To The Moon
āFly Me To The Moonā ā Written by Bart Howard.
This song made it onto the pop charts several times with many popular artists over the years.
This is one of the songs that embody the charisma and elegance of jazz. Its memorable melody, romantic lyricism, and accessible harmonic progression have made it a beloved standard in jazz and other music circles.
Be sure to check out:
- Frank Sinatra ā āIt Might As Well Be Swingā (1964)
- Joe Henderson ā āStraight, No Chaserā (1968)
- Oscar Peterson ā āWe Get Requestsā (1964)
16. Footprints
āFootprintsā ā Written by Wayne Shorter.
Wayne Shorterās āFootprintsā is a masterclass in jazz composition. With its haunting melody, asymmetric 6/4 time signature, and unique minor blues form, it pushes boundaries and invites a profound exploration of modal jazz.
Be sure to check out:
- Miles Davis ā āMiles Smilesā (1966)
- Wayne Shorter ā āAdamās Appleā (1966)
- Pat Martino ā āThe Visitā (1972)
17. Four
āFourā ā Written by Miles Davis.
This tune is a prime example of his knack for composing tunes that are as engaging as they are straightforward. The playful melody and fast tempo exemplify Davisās cool and accessible approach to bebop.
āFourā offers an enjoyable challenge for musicians while serving as a solid introduction to jazz harmony.
Be sure to check out:
- Red Garland ā āRed Garland Revisited!ā (1969)
- Dexter Gordon ā āBouncinā with Dexā (1976)
- Maynard Ferguson ā āMaynard ā62ā (1962)
18. Have You Met Miss Jones
āHave You Met Miss Jonesā ā Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
This charming piece by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart from the Swing Era is beloved for its catchy melody and unexpected harmonic complexity. The bridgeās sequence of key changes is a challenging exercise for jazz players.
Be sure to check out:
- Oscar Peterson ā āWe Get Requestsā (1964)
- Benny Goodman ā āCamel Caravanā (1937)
- Art Tatum ā āThe Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces Vol. 1ā (1953)
19. How High The Moon
āHow High The Moonā ā Written by Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton.
āHow High The Moonā has become a must-know tune for modern musicians. The tune is often played at a brisk tempo. Charlie Parkerās famous bebop composition, āOrnithology,ā is basically a new melody with the same changes (known as a contrafact).
Be sure to check out:
- Keely Smith ā āIām in Love Againā (1985)
- Bing Crosby ā āEl SeƱor Bingā (1960)
- Abbey Lincoln ā āThe World Is Falling Downā (1991)
20. I Hear a Rhapsody
āI Hear a Rhapsodyā ā Written by George Fragos, Jack Baker, and Dick Gasparre.
This tune has rich harmonies and a lyrical melody. Its intricate chord changes and structure embody the essence of 1940s pop music. This jazz song is a challenge to play at fast tempos due to the parallel minor seventh chords that move in minor thirds at the end of the A sections.
Check out:
- Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous, and Roy Haynes ā āTrio Music ā Live in Europeā (1986)
- John Coltrane ā āLush Lifeā (1961)
- Art Blakey ā āArt Blakey!!!!! Jazz Messengers!!!!!ā (1961)
21. I Love You
āI Love Youā ā Written by Cole Porter.
This Cole Porter tune is a delight for both musicians and listeners. Originally written for a 1944 Broadway musical, it has since become a bona fide standard, often played at a brisk tempo.
āI Love Youā offers a gratifying challenge to improvisers with its mixture of classic Broadway charm and harmonic complexity.
Be sure to check out:
- Mike Stern ā āGive And Takeā (1997)
- Oscar Peterson ā āI Love You / Daahoudā (1962)
- Bill Evans ā āNew Jazz Conceptionsā (1956)
22. I Remember You
āI Remember Youā ā Written by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer.
With its tender, catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, this jazz song is often interpreted as a nostalgic ballad.
Be sure to check out:
- Bjƶrk ā āVenus As A Boyā (1993)
- Chet Baker ā āChet Baker Sings and Plays With Bud Shank, Russ Freeman, and Stringsā (1955)
- Sarah Vaughan ā āI Remember Youā (2003)
23. Iāll Remember April
āIāll Remember Aprilā ā Written by Gene de Paul, Patricia Johnston, and Don Raye.
āIāll Remember Aprilā is known for its bright melody and lively harmonic progression. Often played at a brisk tempo, it is a staple in the bebop and mainstream repertoire and is a great vehicle for improvisation.
- Grant Green ā āStandardsā (1961)
- Jim Hall and Ron Carter ā āAlone Togetherā (1973)
- Erroll Garner ā āConcert by the Seaā (1955)
24. Iām Old Fashioned
āIām Old Fashionedā ā Written by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer.
This Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer jazz song stands out as a quintessential ballad. Its lyrical melody, romantic lyrics, and elegant harmony invite musicians to take their time exploring its depths.
Be sure to check out:
- John Coltrane ā āBlue Trainā (1957)
- Paul Desmond ā āPure Desmondā (1975)
- Eileen Farrell ā āIāve Got a Right to Sing the Bluesā (1960)
25. If I Should Lose You
āIf I Should Lose Youā ā Written by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin.
āIf I Should Lose Youā is a deeply emotive jazz standard. Composed by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin, it serves as a perfect platform for heartfelt improvisation and is usually played as a melancholic ballad.
Be sure to check out:
- Sonny Stitt ā āSonny Stitt Playsā (1955)
- Shirley Horn ā āEmbers and Ashesā (1959)
- Chick Corea and Stefano Bollani ā āOrvietoā (2010)
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE...
If you struggle to learn jazz standards by ear, memorize them, and not get lost in the song form, then our free guide will completely change the way you learn tunes forever.
26. If I Were A Bell
āIf I Were A Bellā ā Written by Frank Loesser.
This Frank Loesser tune is a delightful romp with a playful melody and cheery lyrics. Its rhythmic buoyancy and standard harmonic structure make it an excellent vehicle for jazz improvisation.
Be sure to check out:
- Dinah Washington ā āIn the Land of Hi-Fiā (1956)
- Ella Fitzgerald ā āElla Swings Lightlyā (1958)
- Miles Davis ā āRelaxinā with the Miles Davis Quintetā (1956)
27. In A Mellow Tone
āIn A Mellow Toneā ā Written by Duke Ellington and Milt Gabler.
This song became popular during the Swing era with a recording by Duke Ellington and his famous orchestra. “In A Mellow Tone” exhibits Ellingtonās ability to meld sophisticated harmonies with an approachable and enjoyable melody.
- Count Basie ā āBreakfast Dance and Barbecueā (1959)
- Joe Pass ā āPortraits of Duke Ellingtonā (1975)
- Sonny Stitt ā āSonny Stitt with Strings: A Tribute to Duke Ellingtonā (1977)
28. In A Sentimental Mood
āIn A Sentimental Moodā ā Written by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills.
This tune is an evocative ballad known for its deeply emotional melody and harmonic richness. The tune invites musicians to delve into its poignant narrative, often resulting in expressive and introspective performances. Check out:
- Michael Brecker ā āMagneticā (1986)
- Michel Petrucciani, Jim Hall, and Wayne Shorter ā āPower of Threeā (1987)
- Johnny Mathis ā āIn a Sentimental Mood: Mathis Sings Ellingtonā (1990)
29. It Could Happen To You
āIt Could Happen To Youā ā Written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke.
With its bright melody and uplifting lyrics, the song provides a buoyant backdrop for improvisation. Be sure to check out:
- Sonny Rollins ā āSound of Sonnyā (1957)
- Bud Powell ā āThe Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 1ā (1951)
- Miles Davis ā āRelaxinā with the Miles Davis Quintetā ā (1956)
30. Just Friends
āJust Friendsā ā Written by John Klenner and Sam M. Lewis.
A favorite among jazz instrumentalists, this tune by John Klenner and Sam M. Lewis is known for its strong, memorable melody and exciting chord changes. Be sure to check out:
- Pat Martino ā āEl Hombreā (1967)
- Dizzy Gillespie ā āThe Trumpet Summit Meets the Oscar Peterson Big 4ā (1980)
- Sun Ra & His Arkestra ā āJust Friendsā (1983)
31. Misty
āMistyā ā Written by Erroll Garner and Johnny Burke.
Misty is a beautiful ballad that has many amazing versions you should check out. This is one of the songs youāll most likely play with a vocalist at some point. The chord progression and slow tempo allow young improvisers plenty of space to try new ideas while soloing.
Be sure to check out:
- Charles Mingus ā āJazz Club Presents Charles Mingus, Lionel Hampton, Earl āFathaā Hinesā (2017)
- Count Basie ā āDance Along with Basieā (1959)
- Aretha Franklin ā āYeah!!!ā (1965)
32. My Funny Valentine
āMy Funny Valentineā ā Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
Known for its tender melody and humourous lyrics, this jazz song is a fun playground for instrumentalists and vocalists alike. Check out some of these renditions (yes, even Chaka Khan did a version).
- Keith Jarrett ā āStill Liveā (1988)
- Chet Baker ā āChet Baker Sings (1956 reissue)ā ā (1956)
- Chaka Khan ā āWaiting to Exhale (Soundtrack)ā (1995)
33. Night and Day
āNight and Dayā ā Written by Cole Porter.
The tuneās hypnotic melody and clever harmonic progressions invite musicians to explore its complex structure. This tune is a great vehicle for practicing transposing ideas in minor thirds.
Be sure to check out:
- Ella Fitzgerald ā āElla Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Bookā (1956)
- Bill Evans ā āEverybody Digs Bill Evansā (1959)
- Morten Haxholm ā āEquilibriumā (2019)
34. Oleo
āOleoā ā Written by Sonny Rollins.
Learning a rhythm changes tune is essential for playing at jam sessions! If you learn the changes to one rhythm changes tune, you (basically) learn the changes to all of them. Oleo is a great rhythm change head to learn because the melody isnāt too difficult.
Be sure to check out:
- Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis ā āMiles Davis with Sonny Rollinsā (1954)
- Pat Martino ā āDesperadoā (1970)
- Eric Dolphy ā āEric Dolphy In Europe, Vol. 1ā (1989)
35. On Green Dolphin Street
āOn Green Dolphin Streetā ā Written by BronisÅaw Kaper and Ned Washington.
This is a jazz standard known for its unique structure and catchy, swinging melody. Itās especially noted for its harmonic shifts between major and minor, providing a fun vehicle for improvisation.
Check out:
- Barney Kessel ā āThe Poll Winnersā (1957)
- Chick Corea and Return to Forever ā āLiveā (1977)
- Grant Green ā āGoodenās Cornerā (1961)
36. Recorda Me
āRecorda Meā ā Written by Joe Henderson.
This tuneās contagious Latin groove, coupled with its strong melody and modern harmonic structure, offers musicians a gratifying challenge. Its fusion of jazz harmony with Afro-Cuban rhythms makes it a unique entry on this list.
Check out:
- Steps Ahead ā āSmokinā in the Pitā (1980)
- McCoy Tyner ā āNew York Reunionā (1991)
- Art Farmer ā āSoul Eyesā (1991)
37. Satin Doll
āSatin Dollā ā Written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Often performed with a relaxed swing feel, the tune is a great exercise for musicians to stretch out and practice their jazz chops.
Notable versions include:
- Dr. John ā āDuke Elegantā (1999)
- Hank Jones ā āSomeday My Prince Will Comeā (2002)
- McCoy Tyner ā āNights of Ballads & Bluesā (1963)
38. Stella By Starlight
āStella By Starlightā ā Written by Victor Young and Ned Washington.
Known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and complex harmonic progression, āStella By Starlightā is one of the most revered standards in the jazz repertoire. Its rich harmonic language leads to creative and emotive improvisations.
Be sure to explore:
- Robert Glasper ā āCoveredā (2015)
- Ray Charles ā āDedicated to Youā (1961)
- Vic Juris ā āVic Plays Victor Youngā (2016)
39. Scrapple From The Apple
āScrapple From The Appleā ā Written by Charlie Parker.
This tune is a quintessential bebop composition. Known for its fast-paced melody and rhythmic complexity, āScrapple From The Appleā is a challenging yet stimulating playground for improvisation.
Check out:
- Curtis Fuller ā āJazz Conference Abroadā (1962)
- Dexter Gordon ā āOur Man in Parisā (1963)
- Jim Hall ā āJim Hall Live!ā (1975)
40. So What
āSo Whatā ā Written by Miles Davis.
As the opening track of Miles Davisās revolutionary album āKind of Blue,ā āSo Whatā is a pillar of modal jazz. The tune, known for its sparse melodic theme and modal harmonic structure, encourages musicians to explore beyond traditional chord-scale relationships.
Check out:
- Miles Davis ā Kind of Blue (1959)
- Miles Davis ā āFourā & More: Recorded Live in Concertā (1964)
- Miles Davis and John Coltrane ā āMiles Davis & John Coltrane The Final Tourā (2018)
41. Solar
āSolarā ā Written by Miles Davis.
āSolarā showcases Milesās knack for composing tunes that are as engaging as they are straightforward. Its catchy theme and unique chord changes have made it a favorite of music lovers.
Check out:
- Miles Davis ā āMiles Davis Quintetā (1954)
- Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Roy Haynes ā āQuestion And Answerā (1990)
- Bill Evans ā āSunday At The Village Vanguardā (1961)
42. St. Thomas
āSt. Thomasā ā Written by Sonny Rollins.
This tune is one of the most famous examples of the fusion between jazz and Caribbean rhythms. With its catchy, calypso-inspired melody and straightforward chord changes, āSt. Thomasā provides a lively and refreshing platform for improvisation.
Check out:
- Sonny Rollins ā āSaxophone Colossusā (1956)
- Ron Carter and Jim Hall ā āAlone Togetherā (1972)
- Dallas Original Jazz Orchestra ā āWhere Thereās Smokeā (2009)
43. Sweet Georgia Brown
āSweet Georgia Brownā ā Written by Ben Bernie, Maceo Pinkard, and Kenneth Casey.
Whether itās interpreted in a traditional Dixieland style or given a modern twist, āSweet Georgia Brownā always brings an invigorating burst of energy to any performance.
Check out:
- Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli ā āDjango Reinhardt and StĆ©phane Grappelliā (2005)
- Art Tatum ā āGod is in the Houseā (1973)
- Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and Dizzy Gillespie ā āEarly Modern: 1946 Concert Recordingsā (1971)
44. Take The A Train
āTake The A Trainā ā Billy Strayhorn
āTake The A Trainā is a jazz music staple! Billy Strayhorn’s clever songwriting and harmonically sophisticated style are evident in this jazz song’s catchy melody and distinctive rhythmic motif. It perfectly captures the essence of the Duke Ellington Orchestraās sound.
Listen to:
- Clifford Brown with Max Roach ā āStudy in Brownā (1955)
- Ella Fitzgerald ā āElla Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Bookā (1957)
- Anita OāDay ā āAnita OāDay Sings the Winnersā (1958)
45. The Girl From Ipanema
āThe Girl From Ipanemaā ā Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, English lyrics by Norman Gimbel.
Composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim, this bossa nova classic helped popularize Brazilian music in the US in the 1960s. Its sensual melody, laid-back groove, and evocative lyrics have made it one of the more beloved jazz songs worldwide.
Listen to:
- Stan Getz and JoĆ£o Gilberto ā āGetz/Gilbertoā (1964)
- Frank Sinatra and Carlos Antonio Jobim ā āFrancis Albert Sinatra and Carlos Antonio Jobimā (1967)
- Oscar Peterson ā āWe Get Requestsā (1964)
46. There Is No Greater Love
āThere Is No Greater Loveā ā Written by Isham Jones and Marty Symes.
This Isham Jones and Marty Symes tune showcases the romantic side of the jazz tradition. Known for its sweet melody and simple yet effective chord changes, it provides a platform for both lyrical and up-tempo improvisation.
Check out:
- Ahmad Jamal ā āAt the Pershing: But Not for Meā (1958)
- Amy Winehouse ā āFrankā (2003)
- Nat King Cole ā āThe Very Thought of Youā (1958)
47. There Will Never Be Another You
āThere Will Never Be Another Youā ā Written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon.
Known for its upbeat melody and harmonically satisfying progression, itās a blast to improvise over. This is another must-know tune.
Be sure to listen to:
- Chet Baker ā āChet Baker Sings (1956 reissue)ā ā (1956)
- Nat King Cole ā āNat King Cole Sings for Two in Loveā (1955)
- Wynton Kelly Trio ā āPiano Interpretationsā (1951)
48. Up Jumped Spring
āUp Jumped Springā ā Written by Freddie Hubbard.
This Freddie Hubbard composition stands as a testament to his talent not only as a trumpeter but also as a composer. With its buoyant melody and unique harmonic structure, it offers a delightful challenge for improvisation, highlighting the more playful and imaginative side of the genre.
- Curtis Fuller ā āUp Jumped Springā (2003)
- Benny Golson ā āUp Jumped Bennyā (1997)
- Freddie Hubbard ā āBacklashā (1967)
49. What Is This Thing Called Love
āWhat Is This Thing Called Loveā ā Written by Cole Porter.
This tune is another staple of jam sessions. Its catchy melody and sophisticated harmonic changes have made it a beloved standard for jam sessions, often performed way up.
Check out:
- Joe Henderson ā āStraight, No Chaserā (1968)
- Cannonball Adderley ā āAt the Lighthouseā (1960)
- Bobby McFerrin and Herbie Hancock ā āThe Other Side of āRound Midnightā (1986)
50. Yesterdays
āYesterdaysā ā Written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach.
āYesterdaysā is an evocative ballad performed in a minor key. Its haunting melody and complex harmonic structure provide a compelling platform for heartfelt improvisation.
Check out:
- Buddy Rich and Max Roach ā āRich vs. Roachā (1959)
- Clifford Brown ā āClifford Brown with Stringsā (1955)
- Stephane Grappelli and Yehudi Menuhin ā āTea for Twoā (1977)
Are These 50 Jazz Songs The Best Jazz Songs?
No! There are so many incredible jazz songs out there. Trimming the list to a modest fifty means ignoring so many great jazz songs. From John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” to Louis Armstrong’s version of “What A Wonderful World” and beyond, many incredible jazz songs were not included on this list…
…And it’s not because they aren’t great!
To truly expose yourself to all the best jazz songs, you should listen to all the albums listed under each entry. That will give you a greater picture of all the best jazz songs out there.
Let’s do the math: 50 jazz songs X three suggested albums for each jazz song = 150 albums!
There are simply too many types of jazz music to create a simple “best jazz songs” list.
At a certain level, the “best jazz songs” comes down to personal preference. That’s why you should go make your own 50 best jazz songs list and compare it to this one!
Your list might include the Horace Silver tune “Song For My Father” or the Lee Morgan tune “The Sidewinder.” You might prefer more Jaco Pistorious and less Frank Sinatra. Your list will depend on your personal jazz music preferences.
Your “best jazz songs” list might include soul jazz, smooth jazz, or other subgenres instead of bebop or hard bop, and it wouldn’t be wrong.
How Many of These Jazz Standards Do You Know?
This list contains everything you need to learn jazz standards. If you memorize the chord changes and new melodies of these great American songbook classics, youāll be well on your way to understanding jazz harmony, jazz music theory, and improvisational language.
Already know every popular jazz standard on this list? Have you already battle-tested these songs at your last local jam session?
Your journey is not overāvisit our index to view an even larger list of songs.
Master Jazz Standards And Become the Best Jazz Musician You Can BeāJoin The Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle
If you are ready to get serious about learning jazz standards (and want to have a blast doing so), then you need to check out the Inner Circle.
When you join the Inner Circle, youāll get instant access to years and years of jazz resources LJS has developed, as well as a deep dive into a new jazz standard every month. The Inner Circle is perfect for players who want to take their jazz chops, tune repertoire, and music theory knowledge to the next level.