BUT BEAUTIFUL - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"but beautiful" was composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke in 1947. Its first popular introduction came via the film Road to Rio, where it was sung by Bing Crosby. The song has been revived numerous times by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to contemporary jazz instrumentalists, and remains a staple of the standard repertoire.

The lyrical theme explores love’s gentle poignancy and the beauty found in human connection. In performance it often takes the form of a ballad; musically the structure uses an A‑B1‑A‑B2 form over a moderate tempo, featuring smooth melodic lines and harmonic sophistication that invite expressive improvisation.