BILL BAILEY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home" was composed by Hughie Cannon in 1902. Its first popular recording was made by Arthur Collins in New York City that same year.

The song has enjoyed countless recordings over the decades, from traditional jazz bands to swing orchestras and solo singers, becoming a standard in American music repertoires.

Lyrically, the song humorously recounts a spouse's plea for Bill Bailey to return home. The musical structure is a simple 32-bar AABA form, with a singable melody and ample space for improvisation or instrumental embellishments.