DOWN HEARTED BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"down hearted blues" was composed by Alberta Hunter with lyrics by Lovie Austin in 1922. The song portrays themes of heartbreak and romantic despair, delivered with emotional intensity and bluesy phrasing.

The first recording was by Bessie Smith in New York, with Lovie Austin’s accompaniment on piano. This version became a defining early blues recording, influencing countless vocalists and jazz musicians who explored expressive storytelling in song.

The structure is based on a 12-bar blues form with expressive melodic lines, providing ample room for vocal interpretation and instrumental embellishment, making it a seminal piece in both blues and jazz repertoires.