FRIENDLESS-BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

friendless blues was composed and first recorded by Bessie Smith in 1923, capturing the raw emotion and storytelling power of early blues. Its simple, repetitive harmonic structure allows for expressive phrasing and improvisation in vocal or instrumental interpretations.

The first recording took place in New York City in 1923, featuring Smith’s powerful voice and piano accompaniment that highlighted the song’s melancholic mood. Its structure follows a classic 12-bar blues form with space for embellishment and emotional inflection.

Over the years, artists such as Billie Holiday and contemporary blues musicians have revisited the song, maintaining its status as a narrative-rich piece. Lyrically, it explores themes of loneliness and betrayal, providing performers with a vehicle for deep emotional expression.