BIRTH OF THE BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Birth of the Blues" was written by Ray Henderson, Buddy G. DeSylva, and Lew Brown in 1926. Its first commercial recording was by George Olsen and His Music in New York City the same year.

The song has been performed by numerous artists, from Bing Crosby to Count Basie, often interpreted with either a sentimental or swinging approach.

Lyrically, it celebrates the origins of blues music in a narrative and nostalgic style. Musically, it is built on a 32-bar AABA form with opportunities for vocal and instrumental expression, combining melodic warmth with rhythmic drive.