ACHIN' HEARTED BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Composed by Fred Fisher in 1929, 'Achin' Hearted Blues' was first recorded in New York by Ruth Etting, whose tender delivery captured the song’s plaintive character. The piece became popular for its combination of melody and narrative storytelling.

The song has been interpreted by both vocalists and instrumentalists over the decades, appreciated for its expressive chord changes that support emotional improvisation. The lyrics explore themes of romantic longing and heartache.

Musically, it follows a 12-bar blues structure infused with melodic embellishments, balancing traditional blues form with lyrical elegance that invites interpretive phrasing.