OL' MAN RIVER - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Ol' Man River” was composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II for the 1927 musical "Show Boat." The song became an enduring standard due to its evocative melody and socially conscious lyrics.

The first recording was by Paul Robeson in 1928, whose deep bass voice conveyed the weight of the Mississippi River metaphor and themes of labor, struggle, and perseverance. Structurally, it alternates between lyrical verses and soaring melodic lines, making it suitable for both solo vocal and orchestral arrangements.

Many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, have recorded it, each interpretation emphasizing the interplay between narrative storytelling and melodic expression. The song’s enduring impact lies in its lyrical depth and musical sophistication.