HOW HIGH THE MOON - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"how high the moon," written by Morgan Lewis with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton in 1940, became a defining standard of the swing era. Its lyrics celebrate love and aspiration, metaphorically comparing romance to the height of the moon.

The first notable recording occurred in 1940 by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, featuring vocalist Helen Forrest in New York. Its harmonic structure, including key modulations, encouraged improvisation, making it popular with jazz soloists.

The song has been revived in countless recordings, particularly in vocal jazz and bebop, admired for its AABA form and opportunities for intricate melodic embellishments.