BEALE STREET BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Beale Street Blues" was written by W.C. Handy in 1916, named after the famous Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. The song captures the life, rhythm, and culture of early urban blues, celebrating the energy of Memphis while reflecting the bittersweet tone typical of Handy’s writing.

The first recording was made in 1917 by Prince’s Band for Columbia Records, marking one of the earliest documented blues on record. A 1927 version by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Seven brought it lasting fame, with Armstrong’s warm phrasing and improvisational lyricism defining the standard for later renditions. Performers like Bessie Smith, Cab Calloway, and Lena Horne each brought new life to the song across generations.

The tune combines a 12-bar blues framework with a 16-bar verse section, blending early blues with Tin Pan Alley structure. Its memorable melody and easy swing feel make it a cornerstone of traditional jazz and a tribute to the roots of American popular music.