When my baby smiles at me – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
F Major – Bill Munro 1919
When My Baby Smiles at Me by William Davidson Munro (1919) is a swing-era jazz standard in F Major. The tune became a favorite for dance orchestras, with its swinging rhythm and accessible melodic lines. The arrangement features the tight rhythmic interplay and Polished ensemble work characteristic of the big band era.
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Support the projectAbout this song:
“when my baby smiles at me” is a classic song written by Bill Munro and credited to lyricists or publishers in the early 1920s (exact publication date is sometimes given as 1920). It became popular in early popular-music and jazz circles.
In its early life, it was recorded by various dance bands and vocalists; as jazz evolved, the tune continued to be performed by Dixieland and swing ensembles. Specific first jazz‑recording details are less commonly documented in standard sources.
The song’s lyrics express the joy and delight a person feels when their romantic partner smiles. Musically, it often features a bright, uplifting melody over a traditional pop‑jazz chord structure, with opportunities for lyrical instrumental interpretation and improvisation in swing stylings.
About the composer: Bill Munro
William Davidson Munro (1934–2023) was a Scottish footballer and manager best known for his role in promoting Clydebank to the Scottish Premier Division in 1977. His career also included managing Airdrie and contributing to women's football, leaving a lasting legacy in Scottish football.
