BABY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Baby" is a traditional-style jazz number written in the early 1920s, most often attributed to the collaboration of Benny Davis and Harry Akst, and published in 1921. Like many tunes of its era, it combines simple charm with a steady rhythmic swing, making it suitable for both early dance bands and small combos.

The earliest known recording appeared in the early 1920s by vaudeville and dance orchestras in New York City, though the song achieved broader popularity through live performance rather than a single definitive recording. Later interpretations by Dixieland and traditional jazz groups revived its lively appeal through the mid-20th century.

The lyrics express playful affection and flirtation, typical of early jazz-era standards. Structurally, the tune often follows a 32-bar AABA format with a clear melodic contour that lends itself well to vocal or instrumental improvisation. Its enduring use in swing and Dixieland settings shows its lasting versatility and timeless feel-good mood.