TAKE THE A TRAIN - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Take the 'A' Train"—often written with or without the apostrophe—is a jazz standard composed by Billy Strayhorn and first published in 1939. The inaugural recording was made by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra on February 15, 1941, in Hollywood, becoming the ensemble's signature theme and establishing Strayhorn's role as a defining creative voice within the Ellington organization.

Countless later performances, including live broadcasts, big-band revivals, and recordings by vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, helped solidify the tune as a cornerstone of the swing repertory. Its lyrics, added by composer Joya Sherrill, describe a subway ride to Harlem, while musically the piece follows a bright 32-bar AABA form built on crisp horn lines and driving rhythmic accents. The melody’s sleek contours and distinctive opening motif remain some of the most recognizable phrases in jazz.