WHAT'S NEW - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“what’s new” was composed by Bob Haggart with lyrics by Johnny Burke, originally published in 1939. It started as an instrumental titled “I’m Free,” before Burke added words later on.

The tune has been recorded in both instrumental and vocal formats. Notable versions include Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Chet Baker, and more, making it a standard in the jazz repertoire.

The lyrics speak of unrequited love and regret, asking the beloved to reveal whether anything has changed. Musically, the song is often performed as a ballad, with a mellow, lyrical melody over rich harmonic progressions that provide a natural space for improvisation.