Sweet and Lovely was written by Charles Daniels, with lyrics by Harry Tobias. Gus Arnheim, band leader and businessman, made the tune popular with his band, leading him to often be credited with the composition as well. Sweet and Lovely became well known, leading artists such as Bing Crosby, Thelonious Monk and Dexter Gordon to perform and record it. It is most commonly played in the key of C major.