DEARLY BELOVED - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"dearly beloved" was composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, published in 1942. The song combines lyrical sophistication with the elegance typical of Kern’s compositions during the early 1940s.

The first recording was by Bing Crosby and his orchestra, laying the groundwork for numerous jazz interpretations. Subsequent renditions by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Oscar Peterson have explored both ballad and swing approaches, highlighting the tune’s versatility.

Its structure features a memorable AABA format, with a flowing melody and harmonic progressions that provide ample room for expressive phrasing and nuanced improvisation, making it a favorite in both vocal and instrumental jazz settings.