THE NEARNESS OF YOU - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"The Nearness of You" was composed by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Ned Washington and published in 1938. The first recording appeared that same year by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with vocalist Ray Eberle, helping establish the tune as a major ballad.

The song later received landmark interpretations by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Norah Jones. Its 32-bar form and warm, flowing melody make it particularly suited to intimate delivery, reflecting a message of closeness and emotional connection.