GREEN EYES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

green eyes was composed by Nilo Menendez with lyrics by Eddie Rivera and Eddie Woods in 1934. The song’s romantic melody and rich harmonic structure made it a standard for both jazz and Latin-inspired performances.

The first recording was by Don Azpiazú and His Orchestra in New York City, 1934, featuring lush orchestration with vocal emphasis. Structurally, it follows a 32-bar AABA form with room for expressive interpretation.

Subsequent versions by jazz vocalists and instrumentalists emphasized its lyrical beauty and Latin rhythmic influence. Lyrically, it celebrates admiration and affection, evoking longing and tenderness.